LIFE STORIES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE 



DUKE OF BRITTANY 




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LIFE STORIES FOR TOUNG PEOPLE 



THE DUKE OF BRITTANY 



LIFE STORIES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE 



Translated from the German by 

George p. up ton' 



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yfRTHUR'S rescue of the Je^ 



(Page 51) 



Life Stories for Toung People 



THE DUKE OF 
BRITTANY 

translated from the German of 
Henriette Jeanrenaud 

BY 

GEORGE P. UPTON 

Translator of *' Memories,^' etc, 
WITH TWO ILLUSTRATIONS 




CHICAGO 
A. C. McCLURG & CO, 

1908 



'<** 



UBKARYofCONoRESS 

AUG 13 lb^U8 
>3, KJflS 







Copyright 

A. C. McClurg & Co. 

1908 

Published August 22, 1908 



The University Press, Cambridge, U. S. A. 



VCvnn^lKtav'^ Ij^xtiutt 



^ p^ HE DUKE OF BRITTANY" is the 

story of the brief but eventful career of 
Arthur, son of Geoffrey Plantagenet and 
Constance of Brittany. Geoffrey was the 
fourth son of Henry the Second of England and 
Eleanor, Duchess of Guienne. Upon the death 
of his brother Henry, Richard, surnamed the Lion- 
hearted, became the heir apparent and succeeded to 
the throne after the death of his father in 1189. 
Richard shortly afterward became one of the lead- 
ers of the Third Crusade, which ended disastrously. 
After being taken prisoner in Austria by Duke 
Leopold he was ransomed and returned to England, 
where he suppressed the rebellion of his brother 
John. He then invaded France to punish Philip 
the Second, John's ally, but was mortally wounded 
while besieging the fortress of Chalus, near Limoges. 
On Richard's death, John, surnamed Lackland, 
ascended the throne, ignoring the rightful claim 

[iii] 



t TRANSLATOR'S PREFACE t 

of Duke Arthur, Geoffrey's son. Almost his first 
act was the murder of Arthur, who, with the en- 
couragement of Philip Augustus of France, was 
prepared to defend his claim as the son of an elder 
brother. By John's foul deed England lost its 
French fiefs. 

The story turns upon the events in Arthur's 
short life, his young days in Brittany, the violent 
death of his father, the relations of his mother to 
Philip of France, the boy's love for his uncle Rich- 
ard, his service in the field with Philip, his espousal 
to Marie of France, the war with John, his capture 
and assassination by the latter. The incidental 
characters are the Jew Abraham of Paris, Earl Salis- 
bury, the valiant knight Hoel of Mordant and his 
son Alan, between whom and Arthur existed a beauti- 
ful friendship. Many of the scenes are of thrilling 
dramatic interest, particularly the one in which 
the crafty and malicious Queen Eleanor refrained 
from blinding Arthur only because of his resem- 
blance to his father, her favorite son ; the assassina- 
tion on shipboard; and the accusation of King John 
by Alan. Some of the historical data in the story 
[iv] 



t TRANSLATOR'S PREFACE t 

are not accurate in minor details, but in general the 
tale follows the versions of the historical authorities. 
It is a fascinating picture of two lovable, high- 
minded, chivalrous youths, worthy the study of the 
youths of to-day. 

G. P. U. 

Chicago, 1908. 



[V] 



€onttnt^ 



Chapter - Page 

I The Hunt ii 

II The New Life 19 

III Geoffrey's Legacy 24 

IV The Embassy 29 

V The Christening 34 

VI The Guardianship 42 

VII The Journey 48 

VIII King Richard in Rouen ... 56 

IX The Banquet ........ 61 

X The Return to Rennes .... 65 

XI With King Philip Augustus . . 71 

XII In the Field 79 

XIII War Preparations 85 

XIV In the House of the Jew ... 89 

[vii] 



t CONTENTS t 

Chapter Page 

XV Arthur's Departure .... 94 

XVI The War with John .... 98 

XVII The Imprisonment 107 

XVIII King John . 117 

XIX The Tower of Rouen .... 126 

XX On the Seine 133 

XXI The Accusation 137 

XXII The End ........ 142 

Appendix 144 



[viii] 



Mln^tvution^ 



Arthur's Rescue of the Jew .... Frontispiece 
The Assassination of Arthur 134 



[ix] 



Wfit Sttfee at ISrittatig 



Chapter I * 
The Hunt 




'EAR the close of the twelfth century a 
hunting-castle stood in the northern part 
of Brittany, in the midst of dense forests. 
It belonged to Geoffrey Plantagenet, 
Duke of Brittany/ and his banner was flying from 
one of its towers, for the master had come for a 
great hunt. His wife Constance and her ladies 
accompanied him, though he was very reluctant to 
have her come into that wild region ; but Constance 
would not be separated from her husband, and feared 
neither the solitude of the gloomy forest nor the 
fierce storms which occasionally swept over them 
from the adjacent shores. Brittany was her home. 
Her father, the last of the independent dukes, ruled 
the eastern part of it, and she brought it as her heri- 
tage to her husband, son of King Henry the Second 

1 Geoffrey was bom September 23, 1 1 58, and died August 19, 1186. He 
married Constance of Brittany. 



t THE DUKE OF BRITTANY t 

of England/ West Brittany, whicH was English, had 
come into Geoffrey's possession, before this time, 
from his father, and the two divisions were con- 
solidated by him into one dukedom. Constance 
loved the country, and gladly visited this remote 
hunting-castle. 

On the second evening after her arrival, Constance 
found herself alone with her attendants, for the Duke 
and the nobles, who were taking part in the chase, 
had ridden to the forest at early morning light with 
their retinues. 

There were but few guests, for many an old house 
had lost its brave master, and many a strong castle 
stood empty. Many of the stoutest vassals had 
been drafted into the service of the English king, 
and others had fallen in the French wars. The 
country was impoverished and well-nigh deserted ; 
the Duke was no longer powerful enough to protect 
it from marauding hordes and the ravages of wild 
animals. He had come at this time not only to 
indulge in the pleasures of the chase, but to restrain 
these pillagers as far as possible. 

* Henry II was the first king of England of the house of Plantagcnet. Out- 
side of England he possessed Normandy and the suzerainty of Brittany, which he 
inherited from the Norman kings j Anjou and Maine from his father, and by 
marriage with Eleanor, Poitou, Guienne, and Gascony. 
[.2] 



THE HUNT 



The Duchess and her ladies impatiently paced the 
high stone terrace of the castle, stopping now and 
then to scan the forest, in whose gloom the road by 
which the hunters entered was soon lost. As the 
sun disappeared behind the dense mass of trees the 
Duchess eagerly listened for the first peal of the horns 
announcing the return. But as the sun sank still 
lower and the darkness grew more intense, no peal 
sounded from the forest. The wind rustled the 
banner above her, then suddenly ceased, and an 
ominous silence followed. After a few minutes 
the neigh of a horse was heard in the distance. 

^^ Do you hear that?'' joyfully exclaimed the 
Duchess to her ladies. " It is thus my husband's 
faithful steed always announces its approach to the 
castle. We shall soon hear the signal of the horn, 
summoning us to make ready for them. Come, 
let us go to meet the Duke in the hall." 

Followed by her ladies, who cast parting and 
anxious glances at the forest, the Duchess hastened 
inside, ascended the steep, winding stairs, and entered 
the large reception hall, brilliantly illuminated by 
torches, where the remaining inmates of the castle 
assembled, among them the chaplain in his black 
vestments. Uttering the greeting, " Peace be with 

[13] 



t THE DUKE OF BRITTANY t 

you/' he took his place near the Duchess, the others 
arranging themselves in a circle around the walls. 
The warder, with his heavy bunch of keys in his 
leathern girdle, went out to the courtyard, prepared 
to open the outer gate, which was protected by the 
drawbridge, when the hunting-party arrived. 

At that instant the horn signal was sounded ; but 
what a mournful tone they heard ! All were aston- 
ished, and anxiously looked at the Duchess, who 
advanced toward the door with pallid face. Once 
again the horn sounded a piercingly mournful call, 
and through the outer gate, which the warder had 
opened, they saw the party advancing. 

A squire was in the advance, leading the Duke's 
horse by the bridle. When she saw the horse was 
riderless, the Duchess pressed her hand to her heart 
but retained her composure ; for, if her husband 
was injured and needed her care, she must be cour- 
ageous. The next to enter the courtyard were the 
Duke's followers. With slow and measured step 
they carried a covered bier, and silently placed it 
in the entrance to the hall. Behind them pressed 
knights and hunters, on foot and horse, and much 
confusion prevailed. 

Constance seemed to pay no heed to them. She 
[H] 



THE HUNT 



went to the bier and lifted the covering. There she 
saw Geoffrey, her husband — dead ! ^ 

The handsome, noble features in their setting of 
luxuriant blond hair, so lately lit up with life and 
animation, were now rigid in the chill of death. 
Long Constance stood immovable, with the edge of 
the covering in her uplifted hand, and gazed with 
horror-sticken eyes, as if transformed to stone. 

The chaplain tenderly approached her. " Gra- 
cious Princess, permit us to conduct you to your 
apartments." 

His words broke the silence. She uttered an 
exclamation of despair and with a shriek fell faint- 
ing into the arms of her ladies. The chaplain had 
her quickly removed to her chamber and cared for, 
and then returned to the hall. The knights had 
given over their weapons and horses to their ser- 
vants, and were assembled there. A low murmur 
of hushed voices, mingled with sounds of mourn- 
ing, filled the great room. 

" Speak, Sir Knight," the chaplain implored of 
Hoel of Mordant, Geoffrey's oldest vassal and 
friend, who stood by the bier with bowed head, 

1 This is one version of the manner in which Geoffrey came to his death. The 
generally accepted historical version is that he was killed at a tournament in Paris. 

[•5] 



t THE DUKE OF BRITTANY t 

leaning upon his sword. " I know not yet how 
this dreadful tragedy occurred. I only realize that 
the Duke, whom we saw but a few hours ago in the 
flower of his health and strength, is dead." 

Several voices were raised to relate the circum- 
stances. The hunters had had an enjoyable time 
until noon, and had slain many stags and boars, but 
one huge boar, which the Duke discovered at the 
very outset, managed for a long time to elude his 
spear. The hounds kept upon its track, and, 
guided by their baying, he at last overtook it and 
hurled his spear. He only wounded it slightly, 
whereupon the infuriated beast turned upon the 
Duke's horse and attacked it with its tusks. At 
this instant several knights came up, and saw the 
Duke draw his hunting-knife, intending to stab the 
boar in the neck ; but at that moment his horse, 
overcome by pain and fear, reared and fell, and in 
the fall the knife pierced the Duke's side. He lay 
weltering in his blood as his friends gathered around 
him, and only once he opened his eyes. They 
rested upon Knight Hoel, who knelt by his side. 
The sorrowful glance of appeal in Geoffrey's dim- 
ming eyes deeply affected the knight. Raising his 
head he thus spoke : ^^ Whatever it may be, my 
[i6] 



I THE HUNT 



Prince and brother-in-arms, that thou would'st ask, 
trust me it shall be done. I will devote my loyal 
service to the end of my life to thy memory, and 
hold it as a sacred trust/' The Duke closed his 
eyes. A sigh escaped him, and his face was illu- 
minated with joyous satisfaction. Then they car- 
ried his body home. 

" And now/' said Hoel, " we will execute the last 
service for our master. Chaplain, remove the body 
to the chapel and perform the sacred rites." Then, 
turning to two of the knights, he said: "And you, 
my friends, keep the death-watch at the bier. I can- 
not yet master the sorrow which has overcome me. 
I must have time for reflection, for my responsibility 
to the ducal house is great. See that the gates are 
secure, and station sentinels. In the morning all 
must assemble in the hall and have their steeds in 
readiness, for messengers must be sent in all direc- 
tions. Now, betake yourselves to rest, if you can 
find it," he ended with a sigh. 

Suddenly cries were heard from above, and some 
one said, " The Duchess is dying." 

" In the name of all the saints at once," groaned 
the knight, " see to it that she has help ! " 

The chaplain obeyed, but soon returned with the 

{i7l 



t THE DUKE OF BRITTANY t 

announcement, " Our gracious lady has recovered 
and does not need me." Thereupon he motioned 
to the squires to take the bier into the chapel, and 
followed it. Through the open door the priest was 
seen as he advanced to the altar, which was faintly- 
lit by tapers. In a low voice he began the service. 
The mourners remained kneeling for a time during 
the sacred ceremony, then gradually withdrew, and 
only the murmur of prayer was heard. Priest and 
watchers were alone with the dead. 



[18] 



Chapter II 
The New Life 



A.MED, and with helmet in hand, Hoel 
entered the hall at early dawn, only to 
find it deserted. The chapel too was 
closed, for the chaplain had gone, and 
only the knights keeping the death-watch remained. 
A page brought the knight a warm drink. He 
drained the cup, and as he turned to hand it back 
to him he saw the priest descending the stairs which 
led to the apartments of the Duchess. 

" Have you seen our gracious lady ? Then 
arrange for my admission also," Hoel said to 
him. 

"Come outside with me," replied the chaplain, 
much agitated, " and hear what I have to say, not 
here where we are so near the dead, but under 
God's sky." 

Overcome with astonishment, Hoel followed the 
chaplain as he strode forward in haste to the 
courtyard. As they went, a loud trumpet-blast 
sounded jubilantly from the battlements. 

[19] 



t THE DUKE OF BRITTANY t 

" Is the warder out of his senses ? What means 
this fanfare in the house of the dead ? " exclaimed 
Hoel indignantly. " And what does that mean 
also ? The black flag has been lowered on the 
watch-tower, and the banner with the arms of the 
Plantagenets floats in its place." 

" It means, noble knight," replied the chaplain, 
"that Brittany has a new Duke, — our Lady Con- 
stance has a son." ^ 

The knight's eyes glistened with delight, but 
it was only for an instant. With a sigh he gently 
said: " Poor Geoffrey ! Unfortunate child!" Then 
he stood for a time in deep thought. " All the 
same," he said at last, recovering himself, " mes- 
sengers must carry the double news to all the 
castles and cities. The Council of the dead Duke 
must send ambassadors to the courts of England 
and France." 

"As King Henry is engaged in a campaign 
against Scotland and Queen Eleanor passes away 

1 Duke Arthur of Brittany was born at Nantes, France, March 29, 1x87, and 
was killed at Rouen, April 3, 1203. According to the author of this story, he 
was murdered on shipboard by King John, his uncle, because he refused to waive 
his lawful claim to the throne of England. History fails to make an authoritative 
statement of the manner of the young hero's death, but it is unanimously conceded 
tliat John procured his assassination, if he did not commit the deed himself. 

[20] 



THE NEW LIFE 



the time among her castles in Guienne, there does 
not seem^ to be urgent need of haste/' said the 
chaplain* 

^^You are wrong. They must be informed as 
speedily as possible," replied the knight. As he 
was in the act of mounting his steed, which a squire 
had brought, a page rushed up and summoned him 
to the Duchess. 

The knight followed the messenger to an upper 
room, where one of the maids promptly met him, 
and conducted him to a large apartment, against the 
rear wall of which the Duchess's bed stood under a 
gilded canopy. The curtains were partly drawn 
back, and in the half darkness he saw the face of 
the Duchess among the silken pillows. Hoel knelt 
and awaited her commands. She motioned him to 
rise, and said, " Show him the child, Joconde." 

The nurse approached, and lifted the veil from 
the little white bundle she was carrying, so that he 
might see the child. As he stooped to look at him, 
the little one opened its eyes and uttered a faint 
cry. The plaintive tone pierced Hoel's heart. 
He laid his hand upon the child's head and said 
with deep emotion, "Accept my homage, son of 
my brave lord and friend." 

[21] 



t THE DUKE OF BRITTANY t 

The Duchess bade Joconde retire, and then 
said, " May all, worthy knight, like yourself, pay 
homage to Duke Arthur of Brittany, for it was 
this name my husband selected for his first son." 
She gave way to her emotions for a moment, and 
then said with firm voice : 

"Take this signet ring of my husband's, show 
it to the members of the Council at Rennes,^ and 
bid them execute my commands. The citizens 
of every city shall assemble ; and to them and to 
every country it shall be proclaimed that Duchess 
Constance of Brittany will maintain the ducal 
authority, and that during the minority of her son 
she will rule all the possessions of the deceased 
Duke Geoffrey Plantagenet, with the help of God 
and the nobles of Brittany. Send a messenger also 
to the King of England and inform him of the 
death of his son and the birth of a grandson. But, 
above all, send a prudent man with a letter to King 
Philip Augustus at Paris.^ Assure the King of our 
feudal loyalty as a vassal of France, and tell him 

1 Rennes, capital of Ille-ct-Vilaine, France, was the capital of ancient Brittany, 

2 Philip Augustus, King of France, was born in 1 1 65, and died in 1223. He 
was the son of Louis VII, and was noted for his banishment of the Jews, his 
participation in the Third Crusade with Richard the Lion-hearted, and the crusade 
against the Albigenses. 

[22] 



THE NEW LIFE 



we shall render him our usual service in time of 
peace or war, and pay the customary tribute. In 
consideration of this he is to assist us in case 
of necessity against any enemy of our country or 
of the young Duke. Have the letter drawn up in 
temperate and friendly tone.*' 

" It shall be done, my lady," replied Hoel ; " and 
what are your wishes as to the funeral of the Duke ? " 

" He shall be buried in the Cathedral at Rennes, 
and the chaplain must see that everything neces- 
sary is done. Now go, and God preserve you. 
May you quickly return for our protection." She 
leaned back, wearied. The curtains were closed, 
and the knight left the apartment with a feeling 
of relief. When he reached the courtyard he 
summoned his people and the chaplain, who in- 
quired what commissions the Duchess had given 
him. He answered curtly, " Chaplain, he who 
says women are weak and timid has never known 
the Duchess Constance." 

"But, tell me — " 

" Only this," said Hoel, with his hand upon his 
horse's bridle, " France is the watchword. She said 
scarcely a word about England." 



[23] 



Chapter III 
Geoffrey' s Legacy 



^PON his arrival in Rennes, the ancient 

capital, Hoel found the citizens greatly 

. . J excited over the rumor of the Duke's 

death. As his little band rode through 

the streets, the people came from their houses and 
workshops, and a great multitude gathered round 
the castle. They had hardly heard the news of his 
death before it was followed by joyful intelligence, 
which turned sorrow into rejoicing. Enthusiastic 
shouts of " Hail to the new-born Duke ! Long 
live Arthur Plantagenet ! '' rang out on all sides. 

The Council and leading ecclesiastics were assem- 
bled when Hoel entered the hall. After exhibiting 
the ring and executing his commission, he described 
to them the occurrence of the fatal day, but made 
no reply to their eager questioning as to the 
future. 

"What is to be done. Knight Mordant?'' they 
asked. " Brittany will remain loyal to the Duke ; 
but will King Henry of England protect us ? Philip 



t GEOFFREY'S LEGACY t 

Augustus of France will certainly seek to extend his 
possessions." 

" Let us do our duty/' replied Hoel. " We may 
accomplish great things if we remain united." 

After a short rest Hoel departed, taking a dif- 
ferent route to the hunting-castle, in order to nsit 
Castle Mordant and see his wife and little son. 

He found them very happy and without any 
knowledge of what had happened. In a few words 
he described the condition of the Duchess to his 
wife. " And now. Bertha," he added, " prepare 
yourself and little Alan to ride with me. I shall 
not feel easy about the Duchess and the child until 
I know that you are with them." 

Bertha in surprise drew Alan to her side. " Would 
you take me to the Duchess without knowing 
whether I shall be welcome ? The Lady Constance 
has not been accustomed to children for years, and 
may not like youthful mischief." 

" If not for her sake. Bertha, do it for the child's 
sake. Suppose a faithless nurse should place him 
under the control of the grandmother. Queen Eleanor 
of England, and he should meet with the same fate 
as her child, the little girl. What happened to her, 
do you ask ? They say she was put in a convent. 



t THE DUKE OF BRITTANY t 

If Geoffrey's son were to be placed in a monastery, 
I believe his father would not rest in his grave." 

" I will go/' assented Bertha. " Let the child be 
intrusted to me, and I will care for it as if it were 
my own. His lot, in any event, will be hard enough, 
for rulers care little for the rights of minors." 

" Oh, that Geoffrey had only been on good terms 
with his father ! " exclaimed Hoel. " His participa- 
tion in the rebellion into which his mother and 
brothers urged him estranged his father's heart." 

" But they were reconciled afterwards." 

" Yes, but his father's confidence was not restored, 
and the others have been subjected to every kind 
of injustice. What lies Eleanor told about John, 
her youngest son ! His father does not trust him, 
and has given him no possessions. To save him- 
self from impoverishment he is casting covetous 
glances toward Brittany." ^ 

" Her father's share to half the country cannot 
be taken away from her," said Bertha. 

" Not by right ; but might knows no right. 



1 ** The King left only two legitimate sons, — Richard, who succeeded him, and 
John, who inherited no territory, though his father had often intended to leave 
him a part of his extensive dominion. He was thence commonly denominated 
•Lackland."* — Hume. 

[26] 






t GEOFFREY'S LEGACY t 

Perhaps, however, the jealousy between France and 
England, whose sovereigns will never permit their 
beautiful maritime provinces to go to another, may 
save us." 

"What is the name of the little Duke?" inter- 
rupted Alan, who had climbed upon his father's 
knee. 

" He is called Arthur." 
Will he play with me ? " 
Not yet, but perhaps later." 

After speedy preparations they departed ; they 
reached the hunting-castle at evening, where they 
found the Duchess doing well. Bertha's fears 
proved groundless. She was heartily welcomed by 
Constance, who was at that moment specially grate- 
ful for any expression of sympathy. The Duchess 
well knew that she could not place her son in better 
hands, and for the first time she felt free from anx- 
iety when Bertha cradled him in her faithful arms. 
She cared alike for the two children ; and Alan, far 
from being jealous because his mother shared her 
love between them, displayed the utmost tenderness 
to the little Duke. 

Hoel was now free to devote himself to the sad 
duty of burying the dead. A great concourse of 

1^7] 



t THE DUKE OF BRITTANY t 

knights, citizens, and ecclesiastics accompanied the 
body of the Duke to Rennes in an imposing proces- 
sion, headed by Hoel and the chaplain. All along 
the road they passed sorrowing people. Serious 
anxiety for the future filled all hearts, and sincere 
mourning followed the Duke to his grave. 

Shortly thereafter the Duchess and her nearest 
attendants betook themselves to the capital, and 
were greeted with loyal homage. She met with no 
protests or opposition. Her regency was indorsed, 
and all the rights which Geoffrey had enjoyed in 
the English provinces were conceded. Hoel re- 
mained steadfastly by the side of the Duchess and 
devoted himself exclusively to her service. His ex- 
ample, and his tender consideration for her, worked 
for her advantage, as it induced many who were 
wavering at first to join in making the recognition 
of her authority unanimous. 



[28] 



Chapter IV 
The Embassy 



A the Duchess was obliged to devote the 
most of her time to affairs of state, the 
child was tenderly cared for by Bertha. 
The quiet of the little court was broken 
by the festivities attending the approaching christen- 
ing of the Duke. Tournaments and sports were 
arranged, and the friends and adherents of the 
Duchess were summoned to Rennes. She had re- 
ceived no tidings from the relatives of her hus- 
band, whereas King Philip Augustus of France had 
promised to be represented by one of his knights, 
whose arrival was eagerly awaited. 

At last the French gentlemen appeared at the 
gate of the castle in imposing array — knights in 
glistening armor, squires and servants also armed. 
Count von Gragny, a famous soldier and well- 
known to Hoel on many a battle-field, came as the 
King's representative. The strangers were escorted 
to their quarters, and after a short rest Count 
Gragny exchanged his armor for court dress to 
wait upon the Duchess. With his little retinue he 

[29] 



t THE DUKE OF BRITTANY t 

rode through the narrow streets of the city to the 
castle, where the chamberlain conducted him to her 
presence. 

Constance received upon a dais in the centre 
of the room, surrounded by her ladies, and bowed 
a gracious welcome to the Count, who knelt and 
delivered the greeting of his King. 

" I am delighted, noble Count," Constance be- 
gan, " that the King has granted my wish and is 
willing to be the godfather of the Duke." 

" The King has shown you further favor, Lady 
Duchess, and has intrusted me with a message 
which is for your private ear," replied the Count. 

The Duchess, surprised, motioned her ladies to 
withdraw. " Speak," she eagerly exclaimed, when 
they were alone. 

" The King of France, in consideration of your 
unprotected situation and the dangers which threaten 
the heir of Duke Geoffrey — " 

" Pardon me," interrupted Constance, " we do 
not feel that we are unprotected^ Our vassals are 
faithful, and the people are loyal." 

" Yet as dangers may easily arise, noble lady, 
when you least expect them. King Philip offers to 
undertake the guardianship of your son." 
[30] 



t THE EMBASSY 



Constance was alarmed, but retained her compo- 
sure, and asked : " Would not this provoke danger ? 
It is the duty of the nearest paternal relatives, the 
King of England and his princes, to take the place 
of father to my son, and they may not yield that 
right." 

" Are you sure they are willing to exercise it. 
Lady Duchess? and have you sufficient confidence 
in them to intrust your child to their care ? Will 
they unqualifiedly recognize him as the Duke ? 
King Henry is far over the frontiers of Scotland 
and his sons are not on the best of terms with 
you." 

^^ Richard is noble and just. He is the eldest, and 
is under obligation to his dead brother, Geoffrey," 
replied Constance. 

" Do not depend upon him. He is never in one 
place long enough to become attached to any one. 
I advise you to accept the King's offer." 

" I will consider it. Count," replied the Duchess, 
rising. " For the next few days, meanwhile, you 
are my guest. We will let business rest during the 
festivities, but will confer with you again on this 
matter before you return to Paris." 

The Count bowed and left the Duchess, who 

[31] 



t THE DUKE OF BRITTANY t 

remained for some time absorbed in thought. At 
last she called Bertha, who was accustomed to bring 
the Prince to his mother about that hour, and she 
at once entered, carrying the child in her arms. 
The Duchess rushed up to her, took the child, and 
tenderly kissed him. " I may enjoy my sweet one 
only a moment to-day. Bertha," she exclaimed. 
" Is it not glorious that God has given me such a 
charming gift of love ? Surely fate should be kind 
to him, but, alas, clouds are gathering on the hori- 
zon of his life, and I am left alone to protect him. 
Now, Bertha, take my darling away, for Knight 
H5el comes to speak with me.'' 

Hoel was very anxious, for he feared, after the 
long interview with the Count, that difficulties had 
arisen. Constance began at once communicating to 
him what had been proposed, " Can you divine 
what King Philip Augustus has requested of me ? '' 

" Requested, or demanded ? '' asked Hoel. 

" Both, only the demand was concealed. He 
wishes to take the guardianship of the Duke of 
Brittany.'' 

" Ha ! crafty as ever ! Were his proposal dis- 
interested, it would be well. Still, Philip has the 
power to protect you." 
[32] 



THE EMBASSY 



" But against whom ? We are living in peace, and 
I must first know what to expect from England.'' 

" May 1 know what reply you made to the 
Count ? " 

^^ None, as yet. I asked time for consideration. 
See to it, therefore, that the French gentlemen have 
a cordial reception, and at the christening to-morrow 
the representative of the King shall be honored as 
far as is in our power." 

With this the Duchess closed the interview, and 
Hoel repaired to his guests to ascertain their wishes 
and make their visit as pleasant as possible. 



[33] 



Chapter V 
The Christening 



1/ — j j — ^HE little Duke was christened Arthur, as 
his father had decided. After the cere- 
mony was concluded and he had been 
taken back to his chamber and consigned 
to Bertha's care, the Duchess summoned all her 
guests, as well as her knights and ecclesiastics, to a 
feast in the great hall. Constance was seated at the 
head of the table, under a canopy. The strangers, 
with whom she graciously conversed in French, sat 
near her, while the guests at the lower end of the 
table spoke in the native Breton dialect. Quiet at 
first, they gradually grew more animated as great 
flagons of wine were repeatedly filled and drained. 
Owing to the confusion in the hall they failed to 
hear the sound of horses' hoofs outside the castle, 
and the blast of a horn was the first announcement 
they had of the arrival of new guests. The chamber- 
lain entered the hall and whispered to the Duchess, 
who thereupon rose, and with a wave of her hand 
ordered silence. " We have unexpectedly been 
[34] 



THE CHRISTENING 



honored by the arrival of a noble visitor/' said she. 
" It is Queen Eleanor. She is at the castle with her 
retinue. Let us hasten to receive them with the 
honors due to her." 

Constance advanced to the entrance of the hall, 
followed by her nobles, a part of the guests remain- 
ing at table. Scarcely had she reached it when the 
Queen met her at the head of several knights. 

With stately dignity Constance courtesied her 
greeting and spoke : " Welcome, illustrious Queen ! 
and excuse us for not going out to receive you. 
We are surprised, having received no intimation 
of this visit, although we sent messengers with 
invitations." 

The Queen stretched out her hand to Constance 
and kissed her on the forehead. " We have changed 
the route of the journey we had planned to greet 
you, daughter-in-law, and are truly delighted to find 
you so strong and well. We were ready to sym- 
pathize with you in your affliction, but it does not 
appear to be necessary." 

^' Honored mother of my dead husband, I shall 
never cease to mourn for Geoffrey ; but you very 
well know that princesses have no time to abandon 
themselves to grief. But come and participate in 

[35] 



t THE DUKE OF BRITTANY t 

our feast. You will find worthy guests here, mes- 
sengers from the King of France." 

" Ha ! " exclaimed the astonished Queen, as she 
recognized Count Gragny, who with the others 
advanced and bowed low. " Have you settled 
matters so far as to throw yourself already into the 
arms of Philip Augustus, even before you have 
taken the trouble to ascertain the policy of the 
King of England ? '' 

" Although I have received no answer to my 
message to England,'* said the Duchess, " I doubt 
not that King Henry will approve my action in 
securing the good-will of our powerful neighbor and 
seeking his protection for my son, the Duke of 
Brittany." 

" Let me see the child," replied Eleanor. As she 
noticed Constance looking inquiringly at Hoel, she 
added : " Why do you hesitate ? Have you any 
reason for concealing him from me ? " 

Hoel went at once to notify Bertha, and when 
the Queen entered the chamber with Count Gragny 
and several other knights, all gathered about the 
cradle in which the child was lying. Eleanor gave 
one glance at the little Duke and then turned again 
to Constance. " I advise you to give up your game. 
[36] 



THE CHRISTENING 



I shall never recognize this boy as Geoffrey's heir. 
Content yourself with your paternal possessions in 
Brittany, which I shall never enter again." 

" What do you mean, Your Majesty ? " exclaimed 
Constance, with increasing emotion. 

" I mean that the heir came very suddenly, and 
when he was greatly needed,'' said Eleanor. " Who 
knows in what hut he was born and found ? " 

" This is monstrous ! " interrupted Constance. 
" How dare you impute such a disgraceful thing 
to me, and insult me in my most sacred relations ? 
Go ! Only one who can invent such a story is capa- 
ble of such action. You have a wicked heart ! " 

" Enough," said the Queen. " See to it that you 
and your child do not come in my way, otherwise woe 
to him and to you." As she said this she made a 
threatening gesture with her hand at the child. 

Little Alan, who had been standing by his 
mother's side, darted forward and, seizing the 
Queen's arm, cried out in his shrill childish voice, 
" Don't you touch the Duke ! " 

The Queen regarded Alan with astonishment, 
and said with a sneer : " So ! You have taught 
young and old to call him Duke without regard 
to the poUcy of others ! " 

[37] 



t THE DUKE OF BRITTANY t 

" The united dukedom belongs to us as rightfully 
as does Guienne, which you inherited from your 
father, to you/' said Constance haughtily. " But 
now, Your Majesty, let us have peace. Remember, 
you are our guest, and as such we shall treat you 
with due honor." The Duchess stepped to the 
door, and stood there until Eleanor had passed, 
then followed with her knights. 

" What a woman ! " whispered Count Gragny to 
Hoel, who quietly shrugged his shoulders. He 
kept his eyes bent upon the Queen, as he suspected 
she might have communication with those near the 
Duchess, for he feared her wiles. Eleanor took 
very little part in the banquet, and shortly retired 
with her attendants, after a brief leave-taking. 

Those remaining in the hall regarded each other 
in silence, but Count Gragny could not long endure 
the situation. He spoke out : " The Queen came 
like the bad fairy who always appears unexpectedly 
at christenings. Fortunately, she left no evil gift 
behind.'* 

" Yet, noble Count," replied Hoel, " she has left 
us anxiety." 

" Let us drown all thoughts of troublesome ques- 
tions with mirth and wine," exclaimed the Count, 
[38] 



THE CHRISTENING 



raising his glass. " Your Ladyship, I drink to the 
health of Duke Arthur." 

Constance gracefully thanked him for the honor, 
and raised her glass to her lips. After that she 
announced the close of the feast and dismissed the 
guests. 

She hastened at once to her child. She knelt 
down by his cradle and looked for a long time at the 
handsome little one lying in quiet slumber, watched 
his gentle breathing, and admired his rosy cheeks. 
Alan stood at the head of the cradle and kept watch 
over his Duke. With a sad smile Constance rose, 
took Bertha's hand, and left the chamber. 

Later in the evening the Duchess, Hoel, and her 
counsellors prepared a reply to King Philip's pro- 
posals. It had already been demonstrated by the 
Queen's conduct how little they could expect from 
her husband's family ; for although as wife and 
mother Eleanor neither loved nor respected King 
Henry and his sons, she understood how to gain 
her own ends and embitter the feelings of others. 
Could affection for the child be expected of them 
when even his own grandmother would not acknowl- 
edge him ? After due consideration it was decided 
to accept the guardianship offered by Philip Augustus 

[39] 



t THE DUKE OF BRITTANY t 

on condition that the King of England, on his return 
from the wars, agreed to it. 

On the following day Constance gave her reply- 
to Count Gragny, who expressed his delight, for he 
knew that the King would be pleased with the 
prompt and successful manner in which he had exe- 
cuted the commission. 

" My King ordered me,*' he said, " to make 
arrangements for your safety at once. He will send 
you all the troops you need." 

" We are not at war,'* replied Constance, " and 
consequently do not need help.*' 

" Now that Eleanor has been here. Princess, do 
not expect that peace will be lasting. The help 
offered to-day may be too far away in time of danger 
to rescue your son.'* 

Constance was deeply impressed by his impor- 
tunity, and turned to Hoel, saying : " You know 
best our means of defence. Do you think them 
sufficient? " 

" The militia will not hesitate to take the field for 
you," replied the knight, " but only so long as war 
may last. Paid troops will remain all the time in 
your service, but of course they will be a burden 
upon the country." 
[40] 



t THE CHRISTENING t 

" Only a small number will be sent/' said the 
Count. "That is the King's own stipulation." 

Constance was forced to accept, but with a sad 
heart, and dismissed the Count, who at once started 
for home with his attendants. The merrymaking 
arranged by the Count continued in Rennes, and 
the Duchess took part in it with apparent pleasure. 
But, as often as she could, she visited the room 
v/here Arthur played upon Bertha's lap and crowed 
and laughed in play with Alan. She pressed her 
darling to her heart and sighed, " It is all for you, 
my son, all for you." 



[41] 



Chapter VI 

The Guardianship 




'^OT long after these events Philip's troops 
marched into Brittany, where they met 
with a quiet reception ; but when they 
attempted to establish themselves in 
Normandy, they encountered violent resistance. 
The powerful barons there had made a complete 
surrender to the English government. They had 
accepted Geoffrey as its representative and had sub- 
mitted to him, but they would not recognize Con- 
stance, for before her departure to England Eleanor 
had won them over to her side. Their followers 
were well armed, and stoutly resisted the French 
troops. In the numerous encounters which oc- 
curred the interests of the Duke of Brittany were 
no longer considered. The stake was the mastery 
of England or of France, and one or the other side 
alternately gained the upper hand. 

It was still quiet in Brittany, and in Constance's 
vicinity Hoel and his men kept good watch. Long- 
ingly and often the Duchess gazed at the child in 
[42] 



t THE GUARDIANSHIP t 

her arms and wished that he could soon be a man 
to fight with sword in hand for her and her rights. 
Thus they were living in apparent security at the 
castle in Rennes, but really in continual fear of 
approaching dangers. The times were troublous, 
and the world was full of disquiet, but Arthur passed 
his days pleasantly, in an atmosphere of love. Life 
was all smiles for him. Under Bertha's care and 
Hoel's devotion he became both gentle and cour- 
ageous, and as he grew stronger nothing delighted 
him more than rivalry with Alan in all knightly 
practices. The latter, older and stronger, Vv^as not 
only attached to the young Duke by friendship, but 
by duty and devotion, and thus became both his 
companion and protector. They were inseparable, 
and shared everything in common. They roamed 
the woods and fields together with all the joyous 
enthusiasm of youth, but their greatest longing v/as 
to perform heroic feats. They were much more 
delighted to listen to Hoel as he told them of his 
adventures and exploits at arms than to the chap- 
lain, who was their instructor. With rapt attention 
they heard the story of how Hoel and Duke Geof- 
frey rode together to Normandy and other provinces, 
overcame the haughty barons, stormed their strong 

[43] 



t THE DUKE OF BRITTANY t 

castles, and sent them to England to pay fresh 
homage to the King. Arthur longed to be such a 
hero, and his dearest wish was to assist his mother 
in the restoration of the ancient authority. Com- 
bining boldness and gentleness, he was specially fitted 
to rule, and it was his greatest pride that he was 
entitled to the position of ruler by birth. 

Arthur was in his tenth year when the report 
reached them that King Henry's sons, incited by 
Eleanor, had conspired to prevent his return from 
Scotland. Unexpectedly, however, he suddenly ap- 
peared in England and frustrated their plot. The 
news disquieted Constance so greatly that she sent 
Hoel for information. He had been absent several 
days, and his return was now eagerly awaited. 

One evening the Duchess was looking from her 
window, which commanded an extended view of the 
city and its vicinity. Fatigued with riding and hunt- 
ing, Arthur had sought his mother, and was resting 
his head upon her shoulder. She turned to him 
and stroked his heated brow. Bertha and Alan 
were also present, and the room was very quiet. 
Suddenly Bertha stepped to the window and ex- 
claimed, " There comes my husband with a stranger." 
The two rapidly drew near, and dismounted in the 
[44] 



THE GUARDIANSHIP 



castle yard, whence, seeing the ladies at the window, 
Hoel came to their apartment. Bertha and the boys 
met him in the anteroom, at the door of which stood 
the Duchess. *^ What news do you bring?" she 
asked. 

^^ Bad news," replied Hoel. " King Henry is 
dead." ^ 

The Duchess silently motioned to the knight to 
enter, and seated herself. After Bertha had taken 
the boys away, Hoel began : " The King died of a 
broken heart, so the people say. He could not 
endure the thought that the Queen had plotted his 
overthrow." 

" Horrible ! — and the Princes ? " 

" Richard threw himself at his father's feet and 
begged forgiveness. Prince John, on the other 
hand, hypocritically sought to clear himself of 
guilt. But the King knew only too well. ^ All 
three sons,' ^ he groaned, and fell unconscious." 

Constance started, and Hoel was silent. Yes, 
the third one was Geoffrey. 

1 Henry the Second, King of England, died July 6, 1189. In the last year of 
his reign he was confronted with the rebellion of his sons Richard and John, in 
which they were assisted by Philip Augustus of France. 

2 Geoffrey, the father of Arthur, had been concerned in a previous rebellion 
against his father, instigated, like that of Richard and John, by Queen Eleanor. 

[45] 



t THE DUKE OF BRITTANY t 

" And did he die at once ? Did he leave no 
instructions concerning the kingdom ? Had he no 
thought for Geoffrey's son ? " asked the Duchess. 

" They say he longed for his grandson and 
mourned because he had not been able to see him. 
He drew up his will and placed it in the keeping 
of the Lord High Chancellor. Then he turned 
his thoughts to divine things, took the sacrament, 
and passed away," 

Constance was silent for some time, then asked, 
" And does any one know the contents of the 
will?'' 

" It is sealed up in the royal exchequer and 
can be opened only in case the Prince — no. King 
Richard' — shall die childless. Only the confidential 
witnesses know its contents," said Hoel. 

" King Richard ! " replied Constance. " God be 
thanked it is Richard who has come to the throne. 
He is noble and high-minded, and will protect us." 

" God grant it ! Would that he could soon come 
to France and restore order." 

"Whence came the rider who brought the 
news ? " 

" From Rouen. English vessels have landed 
there, and brought Norman knights who v/ere in the 
[46] 



THE GUARDIANSHIP 



Scottish campaign. They will guard* the country 
until he can come himself and take possession.'* 

" As soon as King Richard comes to Rouen, we 
will seek him there." 

" Meanwhile/' said Hoel, " I will make ample 
preparations to insure your safety." 

" Is it not shameful/' said Constance indignantly, 
" that the Duchess of Brittany should be insecure 
in her own country ? " 

Hoel was awaited in the hall by the two boys, 
who plied him with questions. The death of 
King Henry made a deep impression upon Arthur, 
who already realized that his fate had rested in his 
grandfather's hands. For the first time also he 
realized the insecurity of human greatness, and 
when suddenly the bells tolled in the city's church 
towers, and the castle chapel bell added its solemn 
peals, he was greatly overcome, and held fast to 
Alan's hand. 



[47] 



Chapter VII 

The Journey 



T was a beautiful summer morning, and the hills 
and valleys of Brittany were flooded with sun- 
light. All Nature seemed exultant, and all liv- 
ing things were sharing her transports. The 
beauty of the fields and green woods concealed alike 
all traces of the last winter's storms and the ravages 
so often occasioned by men when they sow the earth 
with fire and blood. 

As if still more to enhance the beauty of the scene, 
a cavalcade was seen approaching from the adjacent 
wooded heights. The riders followed the winding 
road, now in groups, now singly, and sometimes 
were entirely hidden from view. Clear, ringing 
voices, joyous laughter, and now and then deep 
manly voices mingled with the neighing of horses. 
The travellers were the Duchess of Brittany, her 
son, and attendants. The seneschal rode in advance 
with two heralds, followed by Constance in a riding- 
habit of green silk, mounted upon a beautiful palfrey. 
Hoel rode by her side, his fiery bay taking the lead 
[48] 



THE JOURNEY 



whenever the road narrowed, to make room for the 
Duchess's horse. Then came Duke Arthur and 
Alan on prancing black steeds. Arthur sat jauntily 
yet securely in his saddle, his slight figure being a 
trifling burden for the noble animal, which seemed 
to take pride in carrying him. He looked boyish 
yet distinguished. His unusual beauty was a suffi- 
cient mark of his high birth even if his costume had 
not proclaimed it. He wore a cloak of brown silk 
embroidered with gold, and over it a short, dark 
satin mantle tipped with ermine. From his cap 
waved a heron plume, fastened with jewels. He 
was a figure of beauty as he rode through the 
charming world about him, engaged in earnest talk 
with Alan. Behind the youths followed the squires 
and troopers, next the Duchess's ladies, and in the 
rear the servants with the sumpter horses. It was 
an imposing though not a warlike train. 

Their destination was Rouen, where King Richard 
had arrived, not, as Constance had hoped, to settle 
her affairs, but to consult with Philip Augustus about 
the Crusade.^ It was all the more urgent, therefore, 

1 This was the Third Crusade (1189-92), which was led by Frederick Barba- 
rossa of Germany (see the volume ** Barbarossa *' in this series), Richard the Lion- 
hearted of England, and Philip Augustus of France. They failed to recover 
Jerusalem, which had been recaptured by the Mussulmans in 1187. 

4 [49] 



t THE DUKE OF BRITTANY t 

for the Duchess to seek an interview with him and 
ascertain his plans before he entered upon such a 
long and dangerous journey. The King had been 
notified of her visit and had arranged for her safe 
passage through Normandy, whose frontier she was 
now approaching. As they emerged from the woods 
Hoel heard a cry and the sound of a struggle in a 
thicket close at hand, and ordered a halt. Before 
he began an investigation, the disturbers of the 
peace appeared. Two men were dragging another 
along, answering his appeals with blows and abusive 
epithets. The victim was an old man, and the sight 
aroused Arthur's indignation. He rode up at once, 
and ordered the men to give an account of their 
conduct, and in the meantime to release the old man. 
The latter fell upon his knees and looked up to 
Arthur with tearful eyes. Hoel and Alan came 
forward and heard the indignant protest of the two 
men. They declared they were bailiifs in the ser- 
vice of the King of France. " This man," they 
said, pointing to the kneeling victim, " is a Jew. 
The last day of grace King Philip allowed the Jews 
has expired." 

" Is this true ? " asked Arthur. 

The old man looked up and said : " Listen, most 
[so] 



THE JOURNEY 



gracious Prince, for, although I know you not, I 
can see the reflection of the crown upon your brow. 
Yes, it is true. The great King Philip Augustus, 
although he has long allowed our race to live in 
his kingdom, has now set his face against us. He 
has said, ^ Take the staff and leave the country ; 
any one of you found in France after the day 
which I set shall die.' The King's servants have 
hounded us. They have plundered our homes ; 
they have driven oflF our poor and wretched people. 
I was on my way to Holland, where our people 
have freedom to live, but I was so overcome by 
grief and hunger that I had to stay in the city 
until to-day — and now they have caught me.'' 

" It looks bad for you, Jew," said Hoel, 
shrugging his shoulders. 

The bailiffs were again about to seize their pris- 
oner, but Arthur cried : " Stop ! Let him go free. 
It is my wish that he shall accompany us." 

"We are the King's servants," demurred the 
bailiffs, " and must obey his orders." 

"I am in command here, not King Philip," said 
Arthur boldly and proudly. " I am the Duke of 
Brittany. Take yourselves off, or my men shall 
bind you." 

[51] 



t THE DUKE OF BRITTANY t 

The bailiffs, astonished at the delicate boy, who 
spoke with such dignity, lost no time in getting 
away. 

The Jew, when he realized that he was free, 
bowed to the earth before Arthur and kissed his 
feet. The old man was so tattered, befouled, 
and ill-favored that Arthur had some scruples 
about addressing him, but at last he said, " If I 
protect you as far as Rouen will you then take 
ship to Holland?'* 

The old man consented, saying, " God will 
help me on/' 

Arthur gave him one of the packhorses, whose 
load was distributed among the other animals, and 
ordered the servants to let him ride with them. 
More quickly than might have been expected of 
one so weak, the Jew swung himself into the 
saddle and joined the little band, which once more 
resumed its march. 

Constance took no part in the occurrence, and 
when Arthur rode up and entreated her approval 
of his act she said to him with some anxiety, 
" When the bailiffs complain to Philip he may be 
angry with you, my son." 

Arthur became thoughtful as Hoel added, " The 
[52] 



THE JOURNEY 



life of this Jew is of little consequence to Philip, for 
whatever he has of value the King will be sure to get." 

" How is that ? " asked Arthur. 

" The dispersal of the Jews was ordered to 
please the Pope/' said Hoel, " and out of their 
wealth King Philip will raise the means for arming 
the Crusaders." 

" That is not kingly/' said Arthur indignantly. 

"All the same they are Jews, and their treasures 
will be taken for the King's service. How can it 
harm them anyway ? They exude gold as these 
pines do pitch." 

Arthur reflected upon Hoel's words with con- 
siderable surprise and almost regretted his display 
of sympathy. But when he looked back and saw 
the bent figure of the Jew following the others, 
who shunned him, he thought to himself, " Still, I 
could not let him perish." 

That evening the Duchess and her most distin- 
guished companions stopped at one of the stately 
abbeys of that region, and Arthur arranged that the 
Jew should spend the night with the servants who 
looked after the horses outside. They had soon 
become accustomed to their silent fellow-traveller, 
who served them for a laughing-stock. 

[S3] 



t THE DUKE OF BRITTANY t 

After the fourth day the travellers at last ap- 
proached their destination. They met crowds 
along the country road — haughty knights, war- 
riors, and pilgrims intending to take part in the 
expedition to Palestine, besides ecclesiastics and 
monks, traders and shopkeepers. It was a good- 
natured crowd, but it often obstructed our travellers, 
and at times they were separated from each other. 
Arthur and Alan were frequently delayed by a 
group going in the opposite direction ; then, laugh- 
ing and shouting, they rejoined their party. But 
toward evening Hoel decided to ride faster, so that 
they might reach the city before the gates closed. 
The party got more closely together, and Hoel rode 
along the line, urging on both people and horses. 
While thus engaged he discovered that the Jew was 
no longer with them, and that the horse he had been 
riding was quietly following the others. Hoel caught 
it by the bridle and looked about him to see if he 
were not mistaken. As he was doing so he noticed a 
piece of paper tied to the saddle, with a ring attached 
to it. He untied it and hastened to the Duke. 

"Your ward has flown," began Hoel. 

" So ? Then he is both false and ungrateful," 
said the Duke, in some confusion. 
[54] 



THE JOURNEY 



<^ 



" Not this time/' replied H'oel. " He has left 
the horse and this — see here/' He handed his 
find to Arthur, who took the ring from the paper 
with much surprise. Upon the billet was written 
in Latin : 

" To the Duke of Brittany, in gratitude for saving 
his life. — Abraham of Paris." 

The ring was a heavy gold one with a magnificent 
emerald set in it. Arthur twirled it about, delighted 
with its brilliancy, then put it on his finger and placed 
the paper in his cloak. 

" Abraham of Paris,'' repeated the Duchess 
thoughtfully. " I well remember that name. He 
is called the richest of the Paris Jews. The King 
often bade him come to the court, and purchased 
jewels of him, and when he needed money Abraham 
furnished it ; but I wish nothing to be said about 
our meeting him," 



[55] 



Chapter VIII 
King Richard in Rouen 




FTER brief delay at the gate, the travel- 
lers were admitted and escorted to the 
place selected for them. As Constance 
was anxious to meet the King at once, 
she sent word to the seneschal and followed him to 
the castle, accompanied by Arthur, Hoel, and Alan. 
A marshal met them near the entrance and called 
a servant to aid them in dismounting. There was 
in the courtyard such a crowd of knights, pages, and 
court people of various ranks that they made slow 
progress. Arthur paid little attention to the brilliant 
rooms through which they passed or to the persons 
who occupied them. His thoughts were fixed upon 
one object — to see Richard, his uncle. 

The marshal bade Hoel and Alan wait in the 
great hall, where two halberdiers kept guard, and 
then beckoned to a page and ordered him to wait 
upon the Duchess. The page disappeared behind a 
door, which he almost immediately reopened. Step- 
ping back into an anteroom, he left the guests free 
[56] 



t KING RICHARD IN ROUEN t 

to enter. With rapidly beating heart Arthur crossed 
the threshold, following his mother, and found him- 
self in a spacious apartment, at the upper end of 
which King Richard rose from a carven arm-chair 
and advanced to meet the Duchess.^ Arthur almost 
cried out when he saw the figure of the King before 
him, just as he had always imagined him to look, 
only more stately. The grandeur about him af- 
fected him but little, for his gaze was riveted upon 
the face of the King, which revealed dignity joined 
with strength and goodness, and upon those eyes 
which beamed so mildly upon his friends and 
flashed so terribly upon his enemies. 

He greeted the Duchess cordially, took her hand, 
and said : " It is long, dear sister-in-law, since we 
met, and we have passed through great sorrows. 
But you have had one consolation," he added, 
placing his hand upon Arthur's shoulder. Arthur 
took the King's other hand and kissed it. King 
Richard invited his guests to be seated and took his 
place between them. Then he looked at Arthur 
again, murmuring to himself, "Geoffrey! Geoffrey! " 



1 Richard the First, surnamed the Lion-hearted, was born September 8, 1157, 
and was the third son of Henry the Second. He was kiJled in a war with Philip 
Augustus of France, John's ally. 

l57] 



t THE DUKE OF BRITTANY t 

Tears filled the Duchess's eyes as Richard continued: 
" We loved each other dearly. Geoffrey was less 
impulsive, and restrained me from committing many 
a rash act, but he stood by me to the last. Do you 
know, Lady Constance, when I was engaged in that 
unfortunate revolt against my father, how I came to 
you alone in the darkness of night, pursued by his 
soldiers ? They demanded me as their prisoner, but 
Geoffrey would not surrender me, and we beat our 
assailants back from the walls. Geoffrey surely 
saved his brother, but in doing so he was in rebel- 
lion against his father.'* 

During this conversation Arthur was lost in 
contemplation of his uncle. Even without armor 
Richard was the ideal of a hero. He was the incom- 
parable knight who in every tournament dashed 
horse and rider into the dust ; for whom no foe 
was too strong, no fortress too secure, and who, 
after his victories, sang in competition with the 
troubadours. 

A smile lit up Richard's face as he noticed the 
boy's rapt gaze, and, turning suddenly, he asked, 
" What are you thinking about, Arthur ? '* 

" I was thinking," replied Arthur with a start — 
" oh, I was thinking that my father could not 



t KING RICHARD IN ROUEN t 

help standing by you. As brother and as knight 
he could not have done otherwise." 

" And yet/' said Richard, looking at the red cross 
fastened upon his left shoulder, " the Church now 
demands that I shall go to the Holy Land and 
make expiation for my resistance to my father's 
authority. I have promised to go, and shall keep 
my word, though it is hard to leave my kingdom, 
which is not yet quieted. Oh, Arthur, if you were 
only a man and could fight by my side ! There 
is glory still to be acquired in the morning-land for 
him who is victor under the banner of Godfrey of 
Bouillon,^ and the celestial crown of the martyr for 
him who falls." 

Greatly excited by Richard's words, Arthur fell 
upon his knees, exclaiming, " I will go with you, 
my uncle and my king : I will be your page, your 
servant ! " 

Constance stretched out her hand as if to restrain 
him, but Richard said with a quiet smile : " No, 
Arthur ; wait until you have come to a man's 
strength. There will be great deeds for you to 
perform later." 

1 The author*s chronology is at fault in this connection. Godfrey of Bouillon 
was a leader in the First Crusade, and died at Jerusalem in lioo, before the period 
of this story. 

[59] 



t THE DUKE OF BRITTANY t 

Arthur and the Duchess rose to take leave of the 
King, who embraced her, saying : " As you may be 
in need of rest, I will not detain you longer, but 
I will receive you again to-morrow as my guest." 

The King struck a shield hanging upon the wall, 
whereupon two pages and the marshal entered, and 
under their respectful escort the Duchess and Duke 
left the castle after they had been rejoined by Hoel 
and Alan. 



[60] 



Chapter IX 
The Banquet 




N the following day Arthur saw Richard 
in the midst of his brilliant and warlike 
retinue. The Duchess sat at the table 
next to the King, with Arthur by her side. 
Famous men, knights, statesmen, and ecclesiastics 
had seats below the Duke, who was quite elated 
because his rank placed him next the King. Their 
greetings reminded him that he must prove himself 
worthy of them by his own merit and heroic deeds, 
and a new world was revealed to him as he listened 
to the words of these men of wide experience, though 
he but half understood them. Many a one noticed 
the enthusiasm of the boy, and his high-bred mien, 
and was charmed by him. When King Richard 
raised his glass to drink the health of his sister-in- 
law, the Duchess Constance, the guests joyously 
responded, and added, " Long live Duke Arthur 
of Brittany ! " 

Greatly excited, Arthur rose to thank them, and, 
turning to Richard, exclaimed, " I will prove myself, 

[6i] 



t THE DUKE OF BRITTANY t 

my royal uncle, worthy of the honor paid me by 
these brave men." 

His admirers gathered about him enthusiasti- 
cally, spoke of his great and brilliant future, and 
praised him as a true scion of the Plantagenets. 

" Did you hear, Alan ? '' he said to his devoted 
friend, when at last they were alone in their room ; 
" I am destined to achieve fame and greatness. I 
shall no longer be content to lead a quiet, unknown 
life." 

All who came to know the Prince held him in the 
highest esteem, and were surprised that so noble 
a youth had developed in comparative obscurity. 
Many thought that King Richard might be child- 
less, and that he was going to a distant war which 
would be full of danger. In that case the next 
heir to the English throne was Arthur. 

Hardly a word passed about Constance's affairs 
and Hoel's solicitude. Richard referred her to 
King Philip as soon as he should arrive ; and when 
Constance, greatly embarrassed, asked, " Are you 
angry because we accepted his protection in a time 
of need ? " Richard replied, " I do not blame you ; 
you had to have him for a friend, for England left 
you in the lurch. My mother — " Here the King 

[62] 



THE BANQUET 



broke ofF abruptly, and then closed by saying, " I 
think everything will be arranged by Philip. Arthur, 
of course, will keep Geoffrey's possessions, not only 
because of respect for the dead, but also for our love 
of his son/' 

After a week, which to Arthur passed like a 
pleasant hour. King Philip arrived in Rouen. His 
principal counsellors and several high ecclesiastics 
were in his retinue, but not so many soldiers as in 
that of Richard. 

Arthur was present at the first meeting of the two 
sovereigns, and Philip's searching glance discovered 
him even before Richard introduced them. At the 
words, ^^ My cousin and ward," Philip stooped and 
kissed his forehead. When Arthur, greatly moved 
by his cordiality of manner, greeted him as the pro- 
tector of his childhood, Philip's serious face was 
illuminated with a gracious smile, revealing the 
favorable impression the Duke had made upon 
him. He had always sought the control of the 
Duke of Brittany to hold England in check, but 
now he so unexpectedly found Arthur such an en- 
gaging personality that he determined not to lose 
sight of him. He called upon Constance and re- 
newed his assurances of friendship. When she 

[63] 



t THE DUKE OF BRITTANY t 

expressed some anxiety lest, in the absence of the 
two kings, she might be troubled by Eleanor, who 
was to remain in England as regent, Philip invited 
her to go to his court. " You and your son,*' he 
said, " shall be under my feudal protection ; and 
should you have any fear for your personal safety, 
you can be sure of an honorable reception in Paris/' 

Constance expressed her thanks in Richard's pres- 
ence, hoping he would make a still closer claim 
to Arthur; but the Crusade monopolized all his 
thoughts. He had already recognized Brittany as 
the hereditary fief which would belong to Arthur 
when he came of age, and with this assurance Con- 
stance had to be content. 

The departure of King Richard well-nigh broke 
Arthur's heart, and Richard embraced him with 
deep emotion. Philip admonished them again to 
go to Paris whenever it seemed best. 

*^ That will yet happen," said Hoel to Alan on 
their way back. " Philip well knows that fate will 
force Arthur into his arms. Had Richard thought 
more of the future, we should not have been going 
home thus." 



[64] 



Chapter X 
The Return to Rennes 



[/ I [ ^HE friendly reception which the young 
Duke everywhere met as he reentered 
^ Brittany made the home-coming very 
dear to him. The situation had changed, 
as he now realized, and the people had great ex- 
pectations of his future. When he came to the 
gates of cities, the people went out to meet him 
with welcomes and good wishes. Arthur showed 
interest and kindness for all, and the Duchess gave 
him precedence everywhere and rejoiced at the 
enthusiasm manifested for him, both by high and 
by low. 

Upon their arrival at Rennes they received sad 
news. Bertha was no more. She had died after 
a brief illness. It was the first real sorrow in 
Arthur's life, and his grief was hardly less than 
that of Hoel and Alan, who felt as if their hap- 
piness were forever lost. It separated Arthur's 
present life from his past life, and served to con- 
centrate his thoughts upon the future. All the 
5 [6s] 



t THE DUKE OF BRITTANY t 

news from the great world, into which he had had 
a brief glance, now became of interest to him, 
especially everything concerning the Crusade. As 
time passed, wandering pilgrims and minstrels 
came and told of events in the morning-land, — 
of Richard's exploits before Acre and Ascalon,^ and 
of his heroic conduct in times of danger, which had 
won for him the name of " Lion-hearted." Then 
news ceased to come for a long time ; but suddenly 
the report spread that Philip Augustus had re- 
turned to France with only a remnant of his army. 
It seemed incredible at first, but they soon found 
that it was true, for the Duchess received a letter 
from Paris in which Philip urgently requested her 
to come there with Arthur. She hesitated, however, 
for her safety in Brittany was not imperilled. The 
King's letter surprised them all, particularly Arthur, 
who had a presentiment that it foreshadowed a 
turning-point in his life. 

One evening a pilgrim appeared at the castle 
gate and desired to speak with the Duke. The 
latter had just returned from the chase and was 
standing in the anteroom as the stranger entered. 

1 Acre, in Palestine, was captured by the Crusaders in 1 1 9 1 , and Ascalon in 
1 1 53. The latter city was the birthplace of Herod the First. 

[66] 



t THE RETURN TO RENNES t 

" Rest yourself, holy man/' said Arthur, " and 
then tell me your errand." 

"Allow me to speak with you in private," 
replied the pilgrim. After Arthur had dismissed 
those standing about, the pilgrim whispered a few 
words to him. 

Hardly had he done so before Arthur made a 
loud outcry, and rushed into the terrified Duchess's 
apartment, exclaiming, "Richard is a prisoner!" As 
he knew nothing more about it, the Duchess, after 
summoning Hoel, had the pilgrim brought to her, 
and asked him for the particulars. As soon as 
the latter removed his palmer's hat, Hoel recog- 
nized him as Count Guntram, one of the Crusaders 
in Richard's army. After the first greetings he 
told, at Arthur's request, the story of the events 
which led to the abandonment of Palestine. For- 
saken by his allies, whom he had alienated by his 
haughtiness of manner, Richard realized when it was 
too late that iTe could not rescue Jerusalem with his 
army alone. He withdrew reluctantly from the Holy 
City, and decided to return. His vessel was sepa- 
rated from the others and wrecked upon the Italian 
coast. Too impatient to wait for the rest of the 
fleet, he undertook to retreat with a few compan- 

[67] 



t THE DUKE OF BRITTANY t 

ions. As they had to traverse a hostile country, 
they adopted the garb of pilgrims, but they could 
not elude the sharp scrutiny of spies. Richard 
fell into the hands of the Duke of Austria, whom 
he had greatly offended during the Crusade, and the 
Duke consigned his distinguished prisoner to Henry 
the Sixth, Emperor of Germany.^ His fugitive 
companions were making their way to their homes. 
Arthur, completely absorbed in Richard's fate, 
contemplated plans for his deliverance, and had no 
doubt that all the princes would unite with him to 
rescue the prisoner. Guntram, however, gloomily 
shook his head, and said : " Richard is imprisoned 
in the strong castle of Trifels^ on the Rhine, and 
there he will remain until he is released for a heavy 
ransom. Think rather about yourself and your 
own affairs, noble Prince. Your Uncle John, hop- 
ing that Richard v/ill never return, is preparing 
to attack Brittany and get you into his power as 
soon as possible. Make your escape at once, lest 
all the noble scions of the house of Plantagenet 



* Henry the Sixth, born in 1 165, was the son of Barbarossa, whom he 
succeeded as King of Germany in 11 90. 

2 Trifels was an imperial fortress in the Rhine Palatinate, near Annweiler, 
which was the resort of mediaeval emperors. Only its ruins remain. 

[68] 



t THE RETURN TO RENNES t 

fall, and John remain, to the misfortune of the 
world." 

Knight Guntram frequently repeated his warning 
before he left the Duchess's court, and the impres- 
sion it made upon his hearers was soon strengthened 
by indications of its truth. 

The country gradually began to grow restless 
and excited. The coast-dwellers removed into the 
interior, for English vessels had been seen, and 
they feared a landing. A letter also was received 
from Queen Eleanor, in which the Duchess was 
warned not to make any claims upon England for 
her son's rights, as they would not be recognized. 
In the event of Richard's death, John, who was 
now sharing the sovereignty with Eleanor, would 
certainly succeed to the throne. 

In view of the manifest danger to the Duke's 
rights it was decided that they must seek the 
protection and help of Philip Augustus. Accom- 
panied by their nearest and most devoted attendants, 
Duchess Constance and Arthur once more set out, 
this time upon an eventful journey. Mourning 
over the fate of their country and their own fate 
as well, they left their beloved Brittany. Hardly 
had they crossed the frontier when John's troops 

[69] 



* THE DUKE OF BRITTANY t 

poured into the country, beat back the mercena- 
ries of Philip Augustus, and placed his banner 
above the gates of the city. The people mourn- 
fully submitted to his yoke, hoping in their secret 
hearts for the return of their legitimate ruler. 



[70] 



Chapter XI 
With King Philip Augustus 




ONSTANCE and Arthur were received 
at the court of Philip Augustus in Paris 
not after the manner of fugitives. The 
King gave them royal recognition, and 
his spouse, the gracious Agnes of Meran, greeted 
them most cordially. Philip evinced a peculiarly 
friendly interest in Arthur ; but he met his urgent 
request for assistance with a quiet smile, saying, " I 
shall do all in my power to help you to retain your 
possessions and all your rights. In the meantime, 
as there is a quarrel to be settled between me and 
the Count of Flanders, will you go with me and 
win your spurs on my side ? '' 

The King looked sharply at Arthur, who, thirst- 
ing for action, acceded to his proposal notwithstand- 
ing the Duchess's disapproval. She was obliged to 
consent in the end, however, for Hoel and Alan, 
who found idle court life intolerable, gladly agreed 
to go also, and were eager to participate in the affair. 

[71] 



^ THE DUKE OF BRITTANY t 

Arthur was to be admitted to knighthood at once, 
and chose Alan for his brother-in-arms. During 
the night which preceded the important ceremony, 
the youths kept knightly vigil to uplift their souls 
in prayer. They were escorted by Hoel and some 
of the leading knights to the castle chapel, where 
they were left alone, after an impressive parting. 
The barred doors shut them out from the world, 
and they knelt a long time before the altar, engaged 
in their devotions. These concluded, they arose, 
and with drawn swords made a circuit of the chapel 
walls, pausing at times before the memorials of dis- 
tinguished princes, whose statues seemed almost 
ghostly in the uncertain flickerings of the ever- 
burning lamps. The banners fastened to the col- 
umns, which reached to the dome, fluttered, and the 
trophies gave out a hollow sound as the youths 
passed them. At last they reached the altar again, 
and almost involuntarily Arthur began to express 
his deep emotions. He thought of the cruel fate 
which had snatched his father from him, and of the 
sorrowful burden which had overwhelmed his mother. 
With a firm voice he pictured the future for which 
he longed so ardently and hopefully. He would 
earn distinction and fame under Philip's leadership, 
[72] 



t KING PHILIP AUGUSTUS t 

and all brave heroes would gladly help him in his 
struggle for his rights. Then, when Richard had re- 
turned to the throne of England, and he had earned 
Philip's good-will, how successfully his life would 
unfold ! " And you, Alan, my brother-in-arms," he 
said, turning to him, "shall always be nearest my 
side, however high a station I may reach.*' 

Glowing with youthful enthusiasm, Alan knelt 
before Arthur and lowered his sword with the ut- 
most reverence, for he believed in Arthur with all 
his soul. Joyfully the latter exclaimed : ^^ Oh, that 
a sign might be given to reveal my future ! " 

At that instant the moon broke through the 
clouds and illuminated the lofty stained glass win- 
dows. In the sudden crimson glow Arthur and 
Alan looked as if they were sprinkled with blood. 
Their faces, hair, and shoulders were tinted a deep 
red. They gazed upon one another with astonish- 
ment, but the red glow soon disappeared, and they 
were once more in the semi-darkness. Though the 
effect, which was caused by the light passing through 
the ruby-red panes, was easily explainable, yet they 
were deeply impressed by it. They spoke no 
more, but stood motionless by the altar, awaiting 
the coming of day. 

[73] 



^M THE DUKE OF BRITTANY t 

The morning light had hardly broken when the 
doors of the chapel were opened and a band of 
knights came to greet their new brothers. Hoel 
embraced them and smiled at Arthur's disturbed 
countenance ; but when he saw that Alan too was 
pale and agitated, he became serious. There was 
no time to question them, for a multitude quickly 
poured into the chapel. The entire court was soon 
assembled. The ecclesiastics gathered about the 
altar, and at last the King entered with the Queen 
and the Duchess Constance. At the close of the 
religious service Philip entered the chancel and bade 
Arthur kneel. Touching his shoulder with his 
sword, he dubbed him knight and received his vows. 
When Alan had likewise been admitted to knight- 
hood, their golden spurs were given them, and 
shouting " Saint Denis ! '' and " Saint George ! *' the 
knights embraced their new comrades. All present 
joined in congratulation, and Hoel had to tear them 
away almost by force, so that they might have rest 
and refreshment and be in readiness for the after- 
noon's tournament. When the time came, they 
were assisted in putting on their armor by knights, 
but Arthur kept his sash in his hand so that his 
mother might bind it about him. The gloomy 
[74] 



^ KING PHILIP AUGUSTUS 



night was forgotten, and as he passed along the spa- 
cious corridors of the Louvre^ every one he met 
stopped to admire his youthful beauty and to make 
smiling return for his friendly greeting. 

As he approached the Duchess's apartment he 
heard delightful strains of music, and hesitated 
about entering ; for Constance, since the great sor- 
row had come into her life, seldom touched the 
harp. At last, however, he softly opened the door 
and glanced into the large room. The Duchess 
was reclining upon a couch, her head resting upon 
her hand, and her pale face bedewed with tears. 
A young lady, who was playing the harp, sat near 
her on a tabouret. She ceased as Arthur quickly 
advanced and bowed low to the two ladies. The 
younger rose in surprise and looked inquiringly at 
the Duchess, who took her hand and, turning to 
Arthur, said, "You must know, my son, who has 
played so beautifully for my consolation. This is 
the Princess Marie of France,^ whom Philip has 



1 The Louvre, now one of the world*s famous art museums, was a castle of the 
kings of France from the thirteenth century, and the chief royal palace until Ver- 
sailles was built by Louis the Fourteenth. Most of the interior has been occupied 
as a museum since 1793. 

2 Marie of France was the daughter of Philip Augustus. 

[75] 



THE DUKE OF BRITTANY l^ 



brought from the cloisters to-day. Though it is 
our first meeting, she well knows my sorrow/' 

" Noble lady," said Marie gently, " I too have 
known sorrow. My mother is dead." 

" May the blessing of Heaven comfort you, 
gracious lady, and bring its peace to a heart which 
knows so well how to comfort others," exclaimed 
Arthur. " I shall go to the field contentedly, for I 
know that an angel will be at my mother's side." 

Trumpet peals from the courtyard summoned to 
the tournament. The clank of armor was heard 
in the anteroom, and knights were in waiting to act 
as Arthur's escort. 

" It is my first venture with arms, dear mother. 
Give me your blessing, I beseech you," implored 
Arthur ; " and you. Princess, shall tie on my sash as 
a surety of good fortune in the contest." 

Marie directed a questioning glance at the Duch- 
ess, and when she smiled in return, threw the scarf, 
over Arthur's shoulder and fastened it. After a 
word of thanks, Arthur hastened to his waiting 
associates, and the ladies betook themselves to 
the Queen, whose guests they were to be at the 
tournament. 

The field was encircled with a dense throng of 
[76] 



t KING PHILIP AUGUSTUS t 

persons of all ranks. The spectators watched 
Arthur eagerly as he rode in, followed by Alan and 
four knights, who drew up in line. Their adversa- 
ries confronted them in similar line. At a signal 
from the King the knights rushed at each other. 
Hoel smilingly watched his proteges^ who distin- 
guished themselves by their daring and dexterity. 
At the first onset Arthur parried the thrust of his 
enemy, and at the second advanced from the other 
side with such fury that his opponent was taken off 
his guard and was dismounted. Arthur was de- 
clared victor. The same good fortune attended 
^him in the remaining contests, and at the close he 
received a wreath from the Queen's own hands as 
his prize. Never was handsomer knight seen than 
Arthur, as with visor raised he lifted his crowned 
head and saluted the princesses. At the court ban- 
quet he was assigned a place between his mother 
and the Princess Marie, and his heart swelled with 
joy and pride. 

The time for the departure of the expedition 
drew nigh, and Arthur spent his leisure moments 
in the company of the Duchess and her young 
friend. On the last evening the King visited them, 
and after a brief conversation turned to the Duke. 

[77] 



t THE DUKE OF BRITTANY t 

" Take a long farewell/' said he. " Guard yourself 
in battle, for your reward will be Marie's hand." 

Arthur and the Princess stood speechless with 
surprise for some time, but the silence was at last 
broken by the Duchess : " Yes, Arthur, it is the 
King's will to give Marie to you as wife, and to me 
as daughter, some day, when our lot is a happier 
one. 

" For that I hope, with God's help," answered 
the King. 



[78] 



Chapter XII 
In the Field 



A^~"HUR was in the field several months 
with Philip, and though he had to endure 
all that powerful warrior's severe disci- 
pline, he fought for him as valiantly as 
he would have done for himself. All this time the 
enemy remained unsubdued ; but at last the King, 
having cut off all probable chance of escape, looked 
for a decisive result. The day for the attack was 
fixed, and everything was made ready. On the 
evening before the battle, after issuing his orders, 
the King retired to his tent to read some letters 
which a messenger had brought from Paris. The 
chancellor urgently entreated him to return, for dis- 
order was spreading, and the finances were in such 
desperate condition that he could procure no more 
money. 

^^ Ha ! " said the King to himself, " how shall we 
meet the needs of the Empire ? There is but one 
way. The Jews must empty their pockets. The 
ban shall be raised. We expelled them to please 

[79] 



t THE DUKE OF BRITTANY t 

the Pope, who is now secretly plotting with my ene- 
mies against me and annoying me in every way." 
The King called for his secretary, but instead of 
that official a knight suddenly entered the tent. 
Recognizing Arthur, he waited for him to speak. 

" Oh, my King," said Arthur excitedly, " I have 
had news from my uncle." 

Philip frowned and asked, " What does John 
want now ? " 

" My news is not from John ; I am speaking of 
Richard. He is free. He is no longer a prisoner 
in the castle of Trifels." 

"How," interrupted the King, ^^has the ransom 
been furnished ? " 

" He is free," repeated Arthur ; " a deserter from 
the Netherlands brought the tidings. Richard has 
embarked on the Holland coast. They recognized 
him, though he went there in disguise." 

" Alone ! " said the astonished King. " Oh, the 
Lion-hearted ! " 

" Without doubt he has crossed to England," 
continued Arthur excitedly, "and now it is time 
my King, for me to hasten to his assistance." 

"Thoughtless youth!" broke in Philip, "would 

you forsake me before the end of the campaign and 
[80] 



IN THE FIELD 



ingloriously leave before we know whether Richard 
has actually reached his fatherland? " 

Arthur grew thoughtful, and retired to consult 
Hoel and Alan. The latter was eager to go, for 
he was not enthusiastic in his devotion to Philip ; 
he would rather have fought for Richard. But 
Hoel twirled his gray mustache and shook his 
head. He feared Richard's rash and unstable dis- 
position, and knew that he could not be relied upon. 
" Philip is right in this matter," he said. " Let us 
first dispose of this Fleming ; after that it will be 
time to think of the other matter." 

The battle was fought the next day, and resulted 
in the defeat of the Count of Flanders after a stout 
resistance. The King himself led his warriors, sword 
in hand, in an attack upon the enemy, who were 
seeking to hold a bridge. His battle-cry, " Montjoie 
St. Denis ! " ^ spread panic in the ranks of his foes, 
and " Plantagenet ! " " Plantagenet ! " resounded 
where Arthur and his knights were fighting. 

The victory was won. The enemy were driven 
over the bridge, and threw away their arms. The 



1 Montjoie is the name of a hill near Paris where Saint Denis was murdered. 
In tournaments ** Montjoie'* was the cry of the French heralds j and ** Montjoie 
St. Denis ' ' was the French battle-cry. 

6 [8l] 



t THE DUKE OF BRITTANY t 

King warmly congratulated Arthur upon his bravery, 
but did not grant his request for leave of absence. 
Arthur reluctantly submitted rather than make his 
appearance before Richard as a fugitive without 
knights or warriors. 

In the meantime Richard reached England; and 
as soon as he had announced his presence to his 
friends he ascended the throne amid popular re- 
joicings, John yielding his claim with seeming 
willingness. About the same time Philip returned 
to Paris ; Arthur accompanied him, and was so de- 
lighted to see his mother and bride once more that 
he forgot his longing to go to Richard. 

Banquets and tournaments were arranged by the 
court, and Arthur, because of his bravery, was the 
central figure among all the youthful heroes. So 
continuous were the feasts and sports that he hardly 
had time for thought. 

One morning Alan, equipped and spurred as for 
a long ride, came to Arthur's bedside and woke 
him, saying, " Richard is in France." 

" Let us hasten to him, then,'' said Arthur, 
springing up. 

" You had better not go. It will only occasion 

needless delay. Let me go to your uncle," implored 
[82] 



IN THE FIELD # 



Alan. " I can reach him quickly. He is about to 
attack the Duke of Limoges, and is camped with 
his little army before the fortress of Chalus. I will 
tell him all, and if he calls you, you need no longer 
hesitate. Let me go, my Prince, and keep my mis- 
sion a secret from the court. They are playing false 
with you, one and all.'* 

Alan rushed out, and Arthur looked after him in 
surprise. Only Hoel knew of his son's undertak- 
ing, and he gave out that he had sent him away. 
Philip, who was well apprised of what was going 
on, kept quiet, and only sought to attach Arthur 
to him still more closely. 

When the entertainment came to an end, Philip 
left the Louvre to hold court at Compiegne ^ during 
the beautiful springtime. How delightful it was to 
roam about that great forest ! Every day the Prin- 
cess rode on her white palfrey, with her falcon 
attached to her slender wrist, Duke Arthur riding 
by her side upon his fiery Arab steed, which had 
been given him by the King. A band of compan- 
ions and servants on foot and on horse followed 



1 Compiegne is a town in the Department of Oise, France, and is famous for 
the royal palace rebuilt by Louis the Fifteenth. Napoleon the First greatly enriched 
its interior. 

[83] 



t THE DUKE OF BRITTANY t 

them, and the hills and woods resounded with the 
baying of hounds and the halloos of hunters. A 
mystic charm seemed to pervade the greenwood, 
which protected them from all contact with the 
outside world and made life a happy dream. The 
Duchess herself seemed to forget her grief and the 
insecurity of her affairs, and the King encouraged 
all these joyous sports without participating in 
them. 

But suddenly these happy revellers were recalled 
to the realities of life by a fearful occurrence. King 
Richard the Lion-hearted was dead before Chalus 
— killed by an arrow. Arthur could not believe the 
dreadful news until Alan, pale and exhausted by his 
hard ride, arrived and confirmed it. He came from 
the spot, was with the King when he received his 
death wound, and brought his last message of con- 
tinued faith in Arthur's loyalty and uprightness, 
and his wish that he could once more see his 
nephew. But, alas, it was too late now ! The 
great Lion-hearted was gone, and John mounted 
the vacant throne. 

" Never, so long as I live, will I relinquish my 
paternal inheritance,'* exclaimed Arthur. 



[84] 



Chapter XIII 
War Preparations 



y^N the excitement which King Richard's death 
produced in England, Eleanor contrived to 
secure an appearance of justice in John's sov- 
ereignty. A spurious will of Henry the Sec- 
ond's was opened by her, by the provisions of which 
John was given the crown, regardless of the legiti- 
mate claims of the son of Geoffrey, his oldest brother. 
By this means Arthur was also cut off from the suc- 
cession. The injustice was clear enough ; but John, 
with the aid of a strong following of the nobles, whom 
he had secured by artifice and promises, kept pos- 
session of power. The time was now come for 
Philip Augustus openly and without delay to main- 
tain Arthur's rights. Nothing less was at stake than 
the title to the English crown. John was declared 
a throne-robber, and was summoned as a feudal 
tenant before the French tribunal. In case of dis- 
obedience war would be declared against him. John 
had already made his plans to go to France at the 
head of an army, with the intention, as far as he 

[85] 



t THE DUKE OF BRITTANY t 

was able, of permanently wresting the English prov- 
inces from the domination of France. He had not 
a doubt he could easily settle the claims of Constance 
and Arthur and succeed in his purpose. Deter- 
mined as Philip Augustus may have been to defend 
Arthur's rights, somehow the war preparations were 
delayed much longer than seemed safe to the Duke, 
who could scarcely conceal his impatience. He re- 
solved to challenge his uncle to single combat, and 
reluctantly followed the advice of his mother to act 
with caution. 

"Why does Philip hesitate?" he indignantly 
exclaimed. 

" I believe the King is waiting for money," replied 
Hoel. 

Arthur contemptuously shrugged his shoulders. 

" Alas ! " sighed Constance, " how can our plans 
succeed ? We are very poor." 

Arthur hastened to the Louvre, and although the 
chamberlain informed him that the King was holding 
an important interview, he insisted upon admission. 
Nothing could be more urgent than his own affairs. 

" It serves you right," the King was saying as 

the Duke was announced. Philip was seated at a 

table covered with papers. By his side stood an old 
[86] 



t WAR PREPARATIONS t 

man in a cringing attitude, who cast a hasty glance 
at Arthur as he entered. 

"Welcome, cousin/' said the King, with a smile. 
"You have come in time to be a partner in our 
business arrangement." 

He beckoned to the old man, who submissively 
bowed his head. His spare figure was clad in a 
dark cloak of heavy silk. A tall black velvet cap 
covered his head and his long gray locks hung down 
his shoulders. His attire proclaimed him a Jew, 
and when he began to speak his voice awakened 
memories in Arthur's mind. 

"Your Majesty," said the Jew, "spare us this 
demand. Our coffers are still empty because of 
the treasures you took from us not long ago, when 
Your Grace allowed us to return to your kingdom/' 

"You shall only lend to us this time," said the 
King. 

Upon what security ? " quickly asked the Jew. 
Upon this security," said Arthur, turning toward 
him and displaying the ring he wore on his finger. 
" Would you like to see the note also ? " he said 
with a smile. " Do you know how it reads ? " 

The Jew hesitated an instant, then turned the 
ring to the light and looked keenly at Arthur. 

[87] 






t THE DUKE OF BRITTANY t 

Raising his head, he said with a certain nobility 
of expression, " I know you. You are the Duke of 
Brittany." 

" Say rather, the King of England,'* added Philip. 
" Well, Arthur, let us close up this business with 
Abraham, which has already fruitlessly consumed 
an hour of our time. Listen, Abraham. We need 
thirty thousand gold gulden to equip our troops, 
and a like sum in six months to pay them." 

The King arose, and Abraham went to the door ; 
but before leaving he turned to Arthur and said in 
a low tone, " If you will come to my poor abode 
this evening, most gracious Duke, you shall be 
satisfied." 



[88] 



Chapter XIV 

In the House of the 'Jew 



A nightfall Arthur and Alan, stoutly armed, 
proceeded to the Jewish Quarter, which 
occupied a remote part of the city and 
was surrounded by walls. Its only gate 
was open, and the two passed undisturbed through 
the dark narrow streets, bordered with tall houses. 
The few windows were barred with iron shutters, and 
wherever a door was open one might fancy he was 
looking into an endless vault. Human figures ap- 
peared now and then, timorously avoiding the gaze 
of the strangers, and looking after them suspiciously 
from their lurking places. It was with some diffi- 
culty that Alan induced an old woman to stop and 
tell them where Abraham lived. 

Abraham's house was a large one, with tightly 
closed doors and windows. At the sound of the 
knocker, a wicket was opened behind the iron grat- 
ing and a voice asked the strangers' business. Alan 
answered cautiously that they were expected by 
Abraham. Thereupon followed a clanking of bars 

[89] 



t THE DUKE OF BRITTANY t 

and bolts ; the heavy door was opened, and Abra- 
ham stood on the threshold, bowing low, and say- 
ing : " Welcome, noble gentlemen ! Enter ! " 

It was not without some apprehension that the 
youths followed him through a low, dimly lighted 
passageway. The air was close and heavy, and no 
sound could be heard from without. At last their 
guide opened a door, threw back a dark curtain, and 
bowed the strangers into an apartment where they 
stood as transfixed with surprise as if they had 
entered another world. They knew not whether 
they were in a garden or a salon. High walls with 
many columns, balconies, and galleries enclosed a 
spacious room which, open above, disclosed the sky. 
A splashing fountain occupied the centre. All about 
flamed countless tapers upon metal candelabra set in 
luxurious flower-beds. Groups of shrubs bearing 
rare fruit sprang from the soil, which was covered 
with fine green turf and colored stones set in a beau- 
tiful mosaic. Here and there were heavy purple 
rugs upon which soft, gold-tasselled cushions were 
scattered about. Festoons of flowers and rich dra- 
peries depended from the galleries and columns. A 
banquet table set with glistening crystal and silver 
plate stood upon an estrade. The youths seated 

[90] 



t THE HOUSE OF THE JEW t 

themselves upon a silk-covered settle with golden 
feet, and Abraham said with the utmost reverence : 

*' Be my guests, noble gentlemen, and count it no 
disgrace to eat with a Jew, whom you, my gracious 
Duke, once rescued when he was near to death/' 

Abraham clapped his hands and two handsome, 
black-eyed boys came forward, bringing the strangers 
perfumed water in silver bowls. Then food and 
sweet, spicy wines were set before them. But all 
this w^as done without noise and with soft, quick 
movements ; for at meals the Jews were always 
apprehensive and ever in readiness for flight. 
Abraham was the first to speak. Turning to the 
Duke, he said : " The gold which King Philip de- 
manded I refused, for he has already had enough 
from us. Are you sure indeed that if he had 
it, he would use it for your advantage, Duke of 
Brittany ? " 

Arthur replied that it was only the lack of money 
which kept him from beginning the war. 

" And do you expect to gain the crov/n of Eng- 
land ? Would you not be fortunate even if Brittany 
were your own ? " 

Arthur reddened and said, somewhat hesitatingly, 
" It is my right, my inheritance." 

[91] 



^ THE DUKE OF BRITTANY t 

" Pardon me/' continued Abraham, " You would 
grace a throne, and what I can do shall be at your 
service. King Philip may have the gold, and I hope 
it will be used for your advantage. But a younger 
prince needs many things which he may not obtain 
from the King. Perhaps I may in some ways real- 
ize your wishes also. Be pleased, gracious Duke, 
to follow me." 

Abraham led the astonished youths into a sub- 
terranean vault lit by a lamp from above, unlocked 
a massive chest, and, lifting the heavy lid, invited 
Arthur to come nearer. It was filled with golden 
ornaments and jewels. Opening a second chest, 
which was filled with leathern bags, he said : " Ac- 
cept. Every bag contains a thousand gold pieces. 
Accept, noble Duke." 

" No ! " said Arthur, stepping back. " What 
you give Philip will suffice me." 

" But Philip will have to give me security," said 
Abraham ; " that is our business." 

"And I can give you no security," replied 
Arthur. 

"You yourself are my security, Duke," said 
Abraham with great earnestness. " When you shall 
come to the throne you will not forget the children 
[92] 



t THE HOUSE OF THE JEW t 

of Israel, and you will allow them a home in your 
dominions/' 

" I promise that," said Arthur. " Once I have 
the power, I will be a just ruler/' 

"Take this as a souvenir of this hour," said the 
Jew, throwing a golden chain around Arthur's neck. 
Then he turned to Alan and gave him a bag of 
gold. " Equip a special troop of trusty, valiant 
men who will stand by your Duke in every time of 
danger," said he. " I do not mean men like you, 
for such hearts as yours cannot be bought with 
gold." 

" That is enough," said Alan as Abraham placed 
one bag after another in Alan's cloak. " Thanks ! 
thanks, Abraham ! Farewell ! " 

" God prosper you," said Abraham as he escorted 
them to the street. They had some difficulty in 
getting out of the Quarter, as the gate was closed, 
but when Alan announced their names to the cap- 
tain of the watch, it was opened at once. They 
hurried back to their dwelling and told their experi- 
ences to Hoel, who advised them to let no one but 
Constance know how they came by their treasure. 



[93l 



Chapter XV 
Arthur s Departure 



1/ — j f — ^HE recruiting of troops for the Duke 
of Brittany now made rapid progress. 
Famous knights offered themselves and 
their followers for his service. Many of 
the leaders in the Crusade, who had been forced 
to discharge their followers, now assembled them 
anew under Hoel's standard and accepted his 
earnest money, and Alan selected sixteen knights, 
the flower of the young nobles, who devoted 
themselves to the exclusive personal service of 
the Duke and received a princely sum for their 
outfit. 

The court ladies also took an active part in the 
war preparations and assembled daily in the Queen's 
apartments to work upon fine embroideries. Arthur 
and his knights were provided with gorgeous ban- 
ners and sashes, and were often consulted about 
their decoration. 
[94] 



t ARTHUR'S DEPARTURE t 

" No, Marie/' said Arthur, noticing her work, 
" place no king's crown above my escutcheon ; as 
a true Plantagenet, the broom flower is my only 
emblem." 

" But you, not John, are the King," replied 
Marie. 

" I will decide that on the field," said Arthur. 

All his petty troubles vanished, Philip was now 
ready for the successful prosecution of his plans. 
He decided that Arthur should go with a part of the 
force to Anjou and establish himself there, and he 
himself would follow later with the main army and 
completely shatter John's power. But before he 
made any move, Philip resolved to attach Arthur 
yet more closely to him by marrying him to the 
Princess Marie. The bridal pair, as well as the 
Duchess, were greatly surprised by this decision, 
and only the nearest intimates were bidden secretly 
to the nuptial ceremony. At midnight, in the 
glare of torches, Arthur stood with his bride before 
the altar, where he had lately been admitted to 
knighthood. Alan thought of that night, and 
glanced at the window through which the red 
light had streamed upon them. But no evil omen 
disturbed the blessing which the priest invoked 

[95] 



t THE DUKE OF BRITTANY t 

upon the union. The marriage was celebrated 
next day at court, and at the same time the coming 
departure of the Duke was announced. At last 
the moment was at hand when Arthur must leave 
all and take the field to fight fi3r the crown of his 
ancestors. 

Duchess Constance strove hard to remain calm 
as she bade Arthur farewell, but her heart sank 
within her as she thought of the dangers he must 
encounter. Gladly would she have restrained him 
from the undertaking into which he had impetu- 
ously thrown himself. Holding him in sorrowful 
embrace, she said with quivering voice : " Farewell, 
my son ! My only one ! May the saints preserve 
you." The Princess Marie also embraced him, 
sobbing :. " Do not go, my husband ! I shall never 
see you again." 

" Keep good courage, Marie. God is merciful." 
" But men are cruel. Oh, stay with me ! " 
" Let me fight for my honor and my crown. 
You shall see me return victorious." 

Arthur tore himself away and left them. A 

band of his knights awaited him in the castle yard 

and Alan was holding his steed's bridle. Arthur 

swung himself into the saddle and, with a glance 

[96] 



t ARTHUR'S DEPARTURE t 

and a wave of his hand toward the balcony where 
Constance and Marie were standing, rode to the 
head of his followers. With an exultant shout, 
" France for Plantagenet ! " and with banners 
waving and arms glistening, the Duke of Brittany- 
led the way to fight afar for his crown. 



[97] 



Chapter XVI 

The War with 'John 



ATHUR advanced unmolested with his little 
force on the road to Anjou, via Touraine, 
until he reached Tours. He expected to 
encounter the first resistance there ; and 
indeed a considerable armed band did meet him 
near the city gate, but not with hostile design. 
They were knights of Anjou and Poitou, who had 
deserted King John and come out of the city to 
welcome Arthur. As soon as the Duke came in 
sight they loudly shouted, " Hail, all hail, Arthur 
Plantagenet, King of England ! '* Both surprised 
and delighted, Arthur entered the hospitable city. 
The people welcomed him in the most friendly 
manner and escorted him to the bishop's palace, 
where quarters had been provided for him and his 
leaders. A grand banquet, given by the burghers 
in his honor, closed the day's festivities. 

The next morning Hoel advised the Prince not 
to indulge too long in entertainments, nor revel 
in fancied security, but to hold a serious council of 
[98] 



t THE WAR WITH JOHN t 

war at once. Arthur thereupon summoned his lead- 
ing knights to the great hall of the palace, where he 
also appeared, accompanied by the bishop. As he 
ascended the steps to the throne seat and took his 
place, he was truly regal in person and bearing. 
Though he wore a sim.ple duke's cap, he bore him- 
self v/ith as much dignity as if it were a kingly crown. 
Looking around upon the assembly with an air of 
ease and self-possession, he said : " Noble knights 
and gentlemen, thanks for your readiness and good- 
will in coming to my assistance against John, my 
usurping uncle. I ask for your advice as to the 
most effective method of attacking him. One hun- 
dred knights and their followers are here, and in a 
few days a like number will be sent us from our 
loyal Brittany. But, hardly three days' journey 
from here, John has thrice that numiber of expe- 
rienced troops. It would be useless to cope with 
such a powerful force before King Philip's troops 
join us. That will be soon. If you agree with me, 
we will await the King's arrival here." 

Arthur ceased, and the knights began making 
suggestions. Hoel, the most experienced of them 
all, supported his proposal, but the knights of 
Anjou and Poitou were not in favor of delay. In 

[99] 



t THE DUKE OF BRITTANY t 

the midst of the general indecision, one of the fore- 
most of them, the Count of Aubigny, advanced and 
said : " Duke, permit me to state my plan. Instead 
of idly awaiting King Philip here, let us make an 
advance movement. Not far from here is the small 
fortress of Mirabeau, where Queen Eleanor and her 
garrison are shut in." 

"Eleanor! " muttered Arthur, with lowering brows 
and blazing eyes. 

" The city is poorly defended," continued the 
Count, " though it has for its champion William 
Longsword, Earl of Salisbury. But we have cap- 
tured two letters from the Queen to John, in which 
she urgently implores him to come to her relief, 
as they cannot hold the city in case of attack. What 
is your decision, noble gentlemen ? Shall we march 
to Mirabeau, surprise the fortress, and take the 
Queen prisoner ? " 

The hazardous proposition met with the ap- 
proval of the majority, notwithstanding Hoel's pro- 
tests and Arthur's advice to wait a day or two for 
news from King Philip. They were outvoted, and 
at last reluctantly consented rather than subject 
themselves to the reproach of cowardice. 

A few days later, Arthur and his small force 

[lOO] 



t THE WAR WITH JOHN t 

reached the walls of Mirabeau. Hoel was assigned 
to the leadership of the assault, and strove to con- 
duct the undertaking, which he could not prevent, 
as judiciously as possible. The city gates were 
forced open, and after a short struggle the assailants 
advanced into the city. But a more difficult task 
awaited them — the capture of the citadel in which 
Queen Eleanor and her defenders w^ere sheltered. 
Hoel vainly sought to mass his force and storm 
the fortress. While Arthur and Alan advanced 
with their close-set column of knights, the others 
were straggling about the city in quest of plunder. 
As Hoel with his trusty band approached the cit- 
adel tower, he was struck by a missile hurled from 
the roof. Hoel fell, and the rest stood as if rooted 
to the spot. The English took advantage of the 
occurrence to make a sally from the tower and threw 
the ranks of the knights into dire confusion. In- 
stead of regular battle a fearful hand-to-hand encoun- 
ter ensued ; but Arthur had time enough when Hoel 
fell to order the nearest knights to dismount and re- 
move him from the scene of the fighting. He then 
turned and commanded Alan to follow his father, 

" Never more," said Alan. *^ I must follow you 
as honor demands." 

[101] 



# THE DUKE OF BRITTANY 



There was no longer time for words. The ad- 
vanced rank of the English was already upon them, 
and the young heroes stood with drawn swords 
ready to meet the onset. 

"Sound an alarm! " shouted Arthur to the trumpet- 
ers, hoping thereby to summon the absent knights 
to their assistance. The call was in vain. Not a 
friend appeared. But hark ! In the distance another 
trumpet blast answered his own. 

"What is that?'' exclaimed Arthur. But Alan 
was as ignorant of its meaning as himself Suddenly 
a knight rode forward from the English side — a 
stalwart ifigure on a black steed, motioned his fol- 
lowers to halt, and pointing with his sword to Arthur, 
said : " Surrender, Duke of Brittany. Resistance 
is useless. The trumpet you have heard announces 
the approach of King John's army. Your confed- 
erates are defeated. You are surrounded, and retreat 
is cut off." 

" Then I will fight for life and liberty like a true 
knight," replied Arthur. " I will never surrender 
myself to John." He rushed upon the knight, and 
Alan attacked another. Superior in skill and self- 
confidence, Arthur's adversary acted upon the 

defensive until the Duke's sword point touched 
[102] 






t THE WAR WITH JOHN t 

his breastplate. Upon this the English knight no 
longer restrained himself, but returned blow for blow 
and thrust for thrust. During the encounter Arthur's 
horse stumbled and fell, carrying his rider with him. 
He was on his feet in an instant, but the fastenings 
of his helmet were broken in the fall and the Duke's 
head was unprotected. The English knight did not 
take advantage of this, but lowered his sword and 
said : " You have fought bravely and can do no 
more, Duke of Brittany. Surrender." 

To whom ? " said Arthur, also lowering his sword. 
To me, William Longsword, Earl of Salisbury." 

" What ! " cried Arthur bitterly, " a Plantagenet ! 
How could you have the heart, cousin, to fight against 
Henry's nephew ? " 

He extended his sword. Salisbury took it, and, 
gazing at Arthur, said in a tone of utter astonish- 
ment : " By Heaven, his features prove the truth 
of his words. Geoffrey, as he was in life ! " Then 
advancing, he said, " My prince and cousin, most 
unwillingly I take you prisoner, but you shall be a 
prisoner only in name." 

" But how can you satisfactorily explain this to 
John ? " asked Arthur. 

" That can be arranged. You may think evil 



t THE DUKE OF BRITTANY t 

of him, and unfortunately I cannot altogether defend 
his course, but he will not tarnish his knightly honor 
by abuse of a prisoner. Follow me, Duke Arthur, 
and rest assured I shall treat you with the utmost 
consideration." 

The fighting paused while the two were convers- 
ing, and at last Salisbury gave the order for cessation 
of battle. But where were those young knights who 
had followed Arthur ? Scattered, wounded, or cap- 
tured, they were forced to declare themselves defeated, 
like their Duke. 

Turning to Arthur, Salisbury asked, " What are 
your wishes with regard to your followers ? " 

" I hope, noble Salisbury, you will arrange mat- 
ters so that at the close of the war they may be 
ransomed and return to their homes. Above all, 
care for the Knight Mordant. He fell at the very 
outset — " 

" What ! " interposed Salisbury, with the utmost 
emotion. " My old companion in arms fallen ! " 

" And this is his son," said Arthur, taking Alan 
by the hand. " Permit him to attend his father or 
bury his body." 

Without hesitation Salisbury replied: "He shnll 
go free, and keep his steed and weapons, if he will 



t THE WAR WITH JOHN t 

give his promise not to fight against England for 
a year." ^ 

A stir among those standing near them diverted 
the attention of the speakers. Six soldiers came in 
sight bearing the body of Knight Hoel Mordant 
prone upon their lances. With a despairing cry 
Alan bent over the body, the warriors also showing 
signs of sorrow at the loss of the hero. At last 
Alan rose and said with trembling voice : " I no 
longer desire my liberty. Let me remain with my 
Duke." 

But Arthur answered : ^* For my sake, Alan, 
accept the Earl's offer. Hasten to my wife and 
mother and urge my friends to send a ransom to 
John, that I may be released. Take this ring. You 
know who gave it to me. He has the power to help 
me." Arthur took Abraham^s ring from his finger 
and placed it upon Alan's. When Alan would have 
offered objection, Arthur said for the first time in a 
tone of command, " I wish it." As his loyal friend 
sorrowfully bowed in submission, Arthur stretched 
out his arms and embraced him. They remained 
thus until Alan looked upon Arthur with sad eyes 
and tore himself away. 

At Salisbury's signal his men escorted him and 



t THE DUKE OF BRITTANY t 

the Duke to the gate of the tower, in front of which 
guards were stationed with crossed halberds. As 
they approached, the guards lowered their weapons 
and admitted them. Out of the brilliant glow of 
the evening sky Arthur entered the gloom of the 
vaulted passage. Salisbury quickly followed him, 
and the Duke of Brittany was a prisoner. 

Alan remained immovable upon his steed as long 
as he could see a trace of Arthur's retreating figure, 
but when it disappeared behind the dark walls, he 
gave spurs to his horse and galloped at full speed 
through the city and out into the country toward 
Paris. 



[io6] 



Chapter XVII 
T'he Imprisonment 




EVERAL days had passed since Arthur 
entered the tower of Mirabeau, where by 
Salisbury's orders a large and well-furnished 
room was provided for him. He not only 
had all the necessities for comfort, but much per- 
sonal pleasure, for famous English visitors to Mira- 
beau were permitted to call upon him. Whenever 
he appeared upon the walls in the company of an 
attendant, the soldiers of the garrison hastened to 
see him. He greeted them in such a cordial yet 
dignified manner that many a hearty benediction 
was uttered by them. 

Salisbury himself visited him almost daily, and 
manifested the utmost concern for the welfare of his 
famous cousin. Upon such occasions Arthur fre- 
quently spoke of England and indulged in fancies 
of what he would do if he were King. 

" Silence," said Salisbury, with a smile. " I must 

not listen. You are talking high treason." 

[io7l 



t THE DUKE OF BRITTANY t 

At the very outset of his imprisonment Arthur 
had longed for an interview with his grandmother, 
Queen Eleanor. She declined seeing him, however, 
until she had ascertained John's intentions. But 
just at this time she had a letter from her son, in 
which he wrote : " I shall be with you in a few 
days. Having performed all your duties to the 
Prince hitherto, see to it in some way that he is 
harmless in the future." 

The Queen clearly understood the double mean- 
ing of his words and considered the best means 
for carrying out his wishes. One day she abruptly 
said to Salisbury, " Bring your prisoner to me in 
the morning." As he hesitated about replying, she 
added in the most insolent manner, " I hear con- 
tinually about your intercourse with the Duke, and 
it does not please me, my lord." 

" By my long sword," replied Salisbury impetu- 
ously, " I would rather be the object of your sus- 
picion than have you cause the Prince to suffer." 

" Is he really as captivating as that ? " said 

Eleanor, changing her tone. "I notice the people 

take no pains to conceal their admiration of his 

fine face and knightly bearing." 

" He is — and you may as well know it," replied 
[io8] 



t THE IMPRISONMENT t 

Salisbury — " he is a Plantagenet from head to foot ; 
and those who doubt it, or seek to make others 
doubt it, have malicious designs." 

" When we have recognized him as a Plantagenet 
and our grandson, it will be time to award him his 
proper rank. We will see him in the morning." 

Salisbury looked sharply at the Queen, as if to 
discover her purpose, but one of his honest, straight- 
forward nature could not read this crafty woman. 
He determined, however, to watch over Arthur with 
increased vigilance, for — and the reason he could 
hardly explain himself — the youth had won his 
love and devotion. 

While Arthur was attending mass the next 
morning with Salisbury, the Queen was arranging 
for the interview with the son of the hated Con- 
stance in her apartment. Two soldiers of the royal 
bodyguard submissively received her orders. As 
she sat at a table covered with papers and writ- 
ing materials she heard the gong strike the hour 
which marked the close of the morning service. 

*' Step behind those doors," she said to the 
soldiers, "and await this signal. As soon as you 
hear me strike that metal cup with this silver key, 
enter, overpower and bind the prisoner, then do 

[109] 



^M THE DUKE OF BRITTANY t 

what I shall order. But hold ! Before you go, 
make a hotter fire in that brazier so that the irons 
may be heated — now, go." 

The guard disappeared behind the door, and 
Eleanor, gazing fixedly at the irons in the coals, 
said to herself: "^Let him be made harmless in the 
future,' John says ; well, a blind man is harmless 
enough. He will not fascinate people when he has 
lost his sight. A blind king never can rule over 
England.'' 

Steps were heard in the passage leading to the 
apartment, and as the Queen turned her head, she 
saw Arthur and Salisbury entering. Arthur stopped 
a moment, awaiting a greeting from the Queen, 
who sat in silence. As he approached her and she 
observed his noble figure and beautiful face, she 
suddenly rose and put out her hands as if to keep 
him off. 

" Will you send me away ? Will you not speak 
to your grandson ? " said Arthur reproachfully. 

" My grandson ! '' said Eleanor, with her eyes 
bent upon him. ^^ No — my son — Geoffrey.*' 

" Yes," said Salisbury, " one might fancy Geoffrey 

had come back to life." 

" Oh ! that it were so, if it would only give me 
[no] 



t THE IMPRISONMENT t 

his mother's love ! " exclaimed Arthur, kneeling 
and taking the Queen's hand. 

^^ Do not recall him/' replied Eleanor passion- 
ately. " Geoffrey scorned his mother's love. I 
loved him better than any of my sons, and he 
gave his heart to Constance of Brittany, whom I 
detest." 

" You speak of my mother," quickly replied 
Arthur. " Oh, she is good and noble. What has 
she done that you should hate her so ? " 

" What has she done ? " replied Eleanor. ^^ She 
alienated my son from me. He no longer loved 
me. He no longer listened to my advice. He 
was disloyal." 

" Was your advice always sound ? " asked Salis- 
bury, with great earnestness. " Be fair. Queen. 
Remember, it was your advice that led Geoffrey 
into rebellion against his king and father." 

" No more of that, Salisbury," interposed 
Eleanor. 

" No," resumed Arthur. " Let bygones be by- 
gones. Be reconciled to my mother. I will love you 
both, if you will only permit it, grandmother." 

There was deep emotion in his supplicating tone 

and looks, and Eleanor was touched by it. She 

[III] 



t THE DUKE OF BRITTANY t 

stood for a moment reflecting ; then, turning to 
Salisbury, she said, " Leave us." 

Salisbury withdrew slowly and reluctantly, but 
ready to return at the first summons. Eleanor 
looked earnestly at the Duke as she said : " Listen, 
Arthur. I am old, but I am still capable of love 
and of hatred. I could love you, image of my 
favorite son, and so exalt you that you would 
never need again to wear Philip's armor. If I so 
wish, John will choose you as his successor, and 
will so engage upon his kingly honor. John must 
obey my wishes and the consent of all England will 
follow. I can give you the crown. I now proflfer 
it to you, but upon one condition." 

" And what is that ? " asked Arthur with trem- 
bling voice. 

" You must accompany me to England and cut 
loose from all you leave in France. The Pope 
will dissolve your union with the Princess Marie. 
You must declare war against Philip Augustus." 

" And my mother ? " 

" You must leave her to her fate." 

" Never ! " cried Arthur. " Oh, you are heartless, 
grandmother. If I thought my heart was capable of 
such wickedness, I would tear it out of my breast," 

[112] 



t THE IMPRISONMENT t 

" Once more I leave you free to make a 
decision. Choose/' said Eleanor. 

" I never will choose disgrace ! " exclaimed 
Arthur. 

Eleanor stepped to the table and took the silver 
key from the metal cup. As she raised her hand 
to strike, her gaze fell upon Arthur's eyes, which 
were glistening as if he were inspired. " No,'* she 
muttered, ^^ I cannot do it. They are Geoffrey's 
eyes." The key fell upon the soft carpet from her 
helpless hand. " Leave me," she said. " Let us 
never see each other again in this life." She placed 
her hands upon Arthur's shoulders and looked at 
him long and earnestly. Then she sadly withdrew 
them and turned away. Arthur hurried from the 
apartment and met Salisbury, who had been waiting 
for him at the threshold. When Eleanor found 
she was alone, she stamped her foot and summoned 
the guards. " Take that away," she said, pointing 
to the brazier ; " the fire is dead." 

During Arthur's visit to the Queen, reports of 
the interview and of Eleanor's evil designs against 
her grandson spread through the city. There 
was great excitement, and open threats were made 
against her. As Arthur mounted the stairs with 
8 [^^3] 



t 



THE DUKE OF BRITTANY 



Salisbury he was greeted with loud applause by 
soldiers and knights in the castle yard, " Here 
he is/' shouted those nearest him. " He lives," 
said others, and suddenly all joined in the enthusi- 
astic cry, " Long live Arthur Plantagenet ! *' The 
Duke, overcome with surprise, waved his hand and 
thanked them. Then he followed Salisbury, who 
made a passage for him through the crowd with 
some difficulty. The shouts were audible in the 
apartment of the Queen, where, concealed behind a 
curtain, she was watching the throng below. 

The dangerous excitement hastened her decision 
to deliver Arthur to the King. She might possibly 
have changed her intentions had not John entered 
Mirabeau that same evening with his army. As 
soon as he was alone with his mother, he inquired 
about Arthur, and broke into a fury of passion 
when he found that nothing had happened to the 
prisoner. His rage increased when he learned of 
the favorable impression his nephew had made 
upon the English troops and that Eleanor herself 
had shown a disposition to sympathize with him. 
" How is it," he cried, " that I find you nego- 
tiating with Arthur, especially when unexpected 
events have thrown him into my power ? Are you 
['Hi 



t THE IMPRISONMENT t 

helping him, mother? Go, go! You have grown 
old and weak. I care nothing for his adherence to 
my cause or for Philip's assistance. Possession and 
right are on my side.'' 

"The right!" replied Eleanor. "Ask your 
conscience in what manner King Henry's will gave 
you that right." 

" Silence," said John. " I know that I am 
indebted to your cunning ; but still you must 
remain loyal to me." 

" I know that," replied Eleanor, " but listen to 
my advice." 

" Enough for the present," said John. " We will 
think about the matter to-morrow morning, mother." 

Arthur had passed the day alone, as neither 
Salisbury nor any of the knights had been to see 
him. About dark the watch, who came every 
evening to see that all was well, entered his room. 
Contrary to his usual custom he greeted Arthur 
curtly and was about to retire. Thereupon Arthur 
said to him, " How is it. Captain Norbert, that 
you have nothing to tell me to-day ? You usually 
bring me some news." 

" News is not always good news, gracious 
Prince," replied the captain significantly. 



t THE DUKE OF BRITTANY ^ 

" Do you mean not good for me ? What is it ? 
Explain/' said Arthur. 

The captain approached nearer and said in a 
low voice, "King John, your uncle, has arrived," 
upon which he left so suddenly that Arthur could 
not question him further. 

The intelligence weighed heavily upon him. Up 
to this time he had supposed that imprisonment, 
longer or shorter, would be the worst that could 
happen to him, but now he felt a misgiving that 
John would make a final decision as to his fate, 
and the hopelessness of the situation depressed his 
usually cheerful nature. With ardent longing he 
yearned to see his mother, Marie, and Alan ; at 
last, overcome with sorrow, he wept bitter tears. 



[ii6] 



Chapter XVIII 

King "John 




N the following day John summoned the 
leading nobles and commanders who had 
accompanied him to France to the great 
hall of the old castle of Mirabeau. Be- 
sides famous Salisbury, Lords Pembroke, Bigot, and 
Essex were in attendance, as well as knights and 
leading personages in great number. All awaited 
the Duke of Brittany with eager interest. They 
had heard so much about him since their arrival 
that many of them were greatly surprised and had 
besieged Salisbury with questions. Meanwhile 
Salisbury himself had not ventured to see the Duke, 
as the King had issued stringent orders that no 
one should be admitted to him. Arthur now 
realized that his fate was in John's hands, and he 
was filled with fear and solicitude. He showed no 
traces of it, however, when he appeared in the hall 
attended by an armed escort. He was in his best 
apparel, which had been kept for him by Salisbury. 



t THE DUKE OF BRITTANY t 

Over a violet silk doublet he wore a short, gold- 
embroidered mantle of white satin and a scarf with 
the arms of the Plantagenets on it. Only the sword 
was lacking to complete, the attire of knighthood. 
With a firm step and erect head he went directly in 
front of the King's seat, bowed respectfully, lifting 
his cap and replacing it immediately, as was the right 
of one of equal birth. Then he looked about quietly 
upon the assemblage. The impression which he 
made is almost indescribable. Many remembered to 
have seen him with King Richard in Rouen and re- 
called the favor which his uncle had shown him. 
Others, who had never seen him, recognized with 
great emotion Duke Geoffrey's face and figure re- 
flected in his son. John also had observed the like- 
ness, and it greatly disquieted him. A rustle and 
low murmurs were heard all over the hall until John 
spoke, and then deep silence prevailed. 

" It is not our fault, my nephew,'' said he, " that 
I am receiving you here. It would not have been 
so had you accepted my invitation." 

" Your invitation, uncle ? " replied Arthur, not 
addressing him by his royal title. ^^ I know of no 
invitation except the one to surrender which your 
troops sent to our cities." 



KING JOHN 



"Well," replied John with a show of irritation, 
" your mother, instead of applying to her hus- 
band's family for protection, besought it of Philip 
Augustus, King of France." 

" And why was Geoffrey's widow forced to seek 
for outside help, except that her legitimate protect- 
ors had become her enemies? No, my uncle, you 
cannot justify what has happened, but you can make 
reparation." 

"What do you mean ? " said John. 

" You well know my claims," replied Arthur. 

" And I scorn them," said the King menacingly. 
" Bethink you. You are a prisoner. You should 
be more moderate of speech^" 

" Imprisonment cannot make wrong right. It is 
more likely to add new wrongs to old ones." 

" Silence," thundered John. " How does a mere 
worm, whom I can trample under my feet, dare to 
be so bold ? " 

Arthur's hand involuntarily sought his missing 
sword. Blazing with anger, he exclaimed : " Shame 
upon you thus to abuse and threaten a prisoner! 
Even if you despise the ties of relationship, at 
least honor the obligations of knighthood, to which 
we both belong." The knights present loudly 



^ THE DUKE OF BRITTANY t 

applauded these words, occasioning much confusion. 
Thereupon John, chagrined as he realized he had 
gone too far, quietly observed : " I am the best 
judge of what is becoming to knighthood. The 
honor of the King stands higher still. You may- 
retire, Duke Arthur." 

The King beckoned to the guards and Arthur 
was led away, taking with him the unmistakable 
sympathy of all present. 

" You have heard, my lords, how this prisoner 
defies me," resumed the King. A pause followed 
these words, and lasted until SaUsbury came forward 
and said : " The Duke spoke the truth ; and as it 
was youthful impulse which actuated him, I think, 
and many others with me, that he had sufficient 
excuse." 

" Lords Pembroke and Bigot, is that your 
opinion?" said the King. 

Venerable Lord Pembroke calmly replied: " If the 
grade of kinship alone entitled him to the succes- 
sion, Arthur would have the legitimate claim from 
his father, Geoffrey, your eldest brother. Nay, 
King, do not interrupt. Hear me out. We, the 
lords of England, recognized you as King after 
Richard's death, though well aware that a nearer 
[120] 



KING JOHN f 



#5 



heir was living. But when we elevated you to the 
throne we took into consideration not alone the 
question of inheritance, but the welfare of England. 
The fearful struggle after the first Henry's death, 
in which rivers of blood were shed, to decide who 
should wear the crown, is still fresh in the minds 
of the people. Civil war must not again devastate 
the country ; and yet I most earnestly warn you 
to treat your nephew, Arthur of Brittany, with 
the consideration due to his rank, to honor him 
in knightly fashion, and to give him back his 
dukedom unimpaired. Promise me this, O King, 
and receive anew our loyal devotion. Do you 
endorse my proposal, noble lords ? " 

The convincing importance of his statement, as 
well as the imposing presence of Lord Pembroke,, 
made a profound impression, and all raised their 
hands in assent. 

John looked around the circle in a triumphant 
manner and said in a conciliatory tone : " I give the 
promise which you desire unconditionally, my loving 
and trusty followers. I am pained that you should 
have believed I would not deal with my nephew as 
becomes his rank, even without a promise." 

All were, or at least seemed to be, satisfied with 

[121] 



t THE DUKE OF BRITTANY t 

the King's statement. Salisbury, however, still was 
suspicious of John's sincerity. He asked permis- 
sion to visit the prisoner again. The King smilingly 
granted it, saying : " Go to him to-day, noble Earl, 
for you must leave with a detachment of troops in 
the morning." 

Salisbury made no objection to this, for he did 
not know that not only he, but all the nobles who 
had shown favor toward Arthur, would be sent 
away, and that the Duke would be left behind in 
the King's power. He was detained so long by the 
King upon business matters and friendly pretences 
that Httle time was left for him to make the visit; 
but at last he got away, and hurried to the prison. 
The joy with which Arthur greeted him made it 
all the more difficult for the Earl to prepare him 
for the approaching separation. When the Duke 
learned the King's intention, he lost his self-control 
and entreated Salisbury not to leave him. Vainly 
the Earl assured him that John had bound himself 
by a sacred promise that he would do nothing to 
harm his nephew. He clung to his only friend as 
he sought to tear himself away, crying out in utter 
despair, '^ My last hope departs with you, noble 
Salisbury." 

[122] 



KING JOHN t 



In great agitation Salisbury left the unfortunate 
youth, and the next day marched out of Mirabeau, 
filled with gloomy apprehensions and wishing that 
he had never entered it and taken Arthur prisoner. 

In a few weeks the relations of those who had 
met in Mirabeau were radically changed. Queen 
Eleanor had to remain there alone, though very re- 
luctantly, as she was detained by a severe illness. 
It seemed as if the sight of Arthur's face had aroused 
the torments of conscience, for, from the day when 
she was forced to deliver him into John's power she 
had grown weak and ill, both in body and mind. 
As soon as he could make the arrangements John 
left Mirabeau, taking his nephew with him. Though 
closely guarded, Arthur enjoyed considerable free- 
dom on the road, and followed the army on horse- 
back. But before they were out of Normandy the 
prisoner's guards suddenly took him away in another 
direction from that of the army, and landed him in 
the castle of Falaise. 

In that gloomy castle Arthur experienced all the 
hardships of imprisonment and passed his days in 
hopeless solitude. At the beginning of winter he 
was taken to Rouen and confined in a strong tower 
on the bank of the Seine. Though joyous and 



t THE DUKE OF BRITTANY t 

cheerful by nature, he lost all courage and hope, and 
fell into utter despair. His young days seemed like 
a dream, and as he recalled them he asked himself 
over and over again, " What has become of Alan ? " 
The time which seemed so long to Arthur was 
passed by Alan in almost constant toil and hardship. 
How many dangers, plots, and delays he had to 
overcome before he finally reached Paris ! He 
entered upon his mission for Arthur at once, but it 
was soon apparent that the task was hopeless. 
Where could he look for advice and assistance ? 
King Philip being far away with his army, Alan was 
powerless to carry out Arthur's wishes, and yet the 
Princesses were expecting aid from him. He visited 
Abraham, who remained steadfast to the Duke; yet 
the Jew required time to raise the money and make 
inquiries just when Alan had to face new dangers at 
every turn. When Abraham learned from his rela- 
tives that Arthur had left Rouen, his alarm increased, 
for he feared the worst if he met John. The ut- 
most despatch was now necessary, and Abraham 
showed his willingness to help Alan in his plans for 
the Duke's rescue. " For," said the Jew, " he has 
done me a great favor and has made an asylum for 
my people. But, alas. King John persecutes the 
[124] 



^-? 



f KING JOHN t 



children of Israel, and has sworn to extirpate our 
race." 

Alan advised with Abraham about every move he 
made, and finally decided to repair at once to the 
neighborhood of the Duke ; then he arranged to 
meet Abraham in Rouen and decide what further 
steps were necessary in Arthur's behalf. 



[1^5] 



Chapter XIX 
The Tower of Rouen 



n 



^"^^HE Duke's only recreation was an oc- 
casional visit to the tower balcony, where 
— under the eye of his guard — he enjoyed 
walking, as well as the bracing winter air. 



A high parapet prevented him from looking down 
where the Seine flowed by and vessels were passing 
up and down the river, but he could hear the voices 
and songs of the sailors as he paced backward and 
forward. He endeavored to maintain a dignified 
bearing when in the presence of the witnesses of 
his misfortune, but his pale cheeks showed traces 
of the bitter tears he had shed in his solitude. 

One morning he went to the balcony as usual with 
Hubert de Burgh, captain of the guard. The wind 
blew violently about the old tower, and as Arthur 
went out on the balcony to listen to the stir of the 
world below, Hubert, who was in a surly mood, 
sheltered himself near the entrance. 

As Arthur listened to the songs of the sailors on 

the river below, why was it that his face suddenly 
[126] 



t THE TOWER OF ROUEN t 

lit up with joy and that his eyes flashed with delight ? 
Fortunately Hubert could not see his face, as Arthur 
was standing with his back to him. 

What was the melody to which he listened so 
eagerly ? Surely it was BlondeFs song,^ which the 
faithful minstrel once sung under the walls of the 
prison where Richard the Lion-hearted was confined, 
and which Arthur had often sung with Alan, little 
dreaming that he too would be a prisoner one day. 
If his ear did not deceive him it was Alan's voice, 
only it was weaker and more tremulous than usual. 
And yet no other could sing the song like that. He 
longed to sing it in reply, but his guard, wondering 
why he stopped his walk so long, approached. The 
singer ceased as Arthur wiped his heated brow. 
Suddenly his handkerchief flew into the air. Arthur 
pretended to be catching it, but it fluttered high above 
the balcony and then sank downwards like a white 
dove. 

" You have lost your handkerchief," said the 
guard, "for it will either fall into the water or catch 
upon the walls." 



1 Blondel was a trouvere^ or minstrel, who accompanied Richard the Lion- 
hearted, and is said to have discovered him when he was imprisoned by singing a 
song under the King's tower, to which Richard responded, 

[127] 



t THE DUKE OF BRITTANY t 

"It was very precious to me/' replied Arthur; 
" my mother embroidered it." Thereupon he left 
the balcony. The handkerchief fell into the water 
and was picked up by a young sailor boy, who came 
there on a stone vessel the day before. It was this 
boy who had sung Blondel's song. He took the 
wet handkerchief and looked at it with beaming 
eyes. Then he uttered a cry, not like that of a 
sailor, but like that with which the hunter calls his 
falcon. 

On the following morning two weary female pil- 
grims arrived at the eastern gate of Rouen. When 
questioned by the guard, they showed letters to the 
Abbess of the Marien Convent, and were directed 
to the place. After kneeling in prayer for some 
time at the altar of the cathedral near by, they arose 
and went to the convent. As the elder pilgrim 
desired to present the letters in person, they were 
shown into the reception-room, where the Abbess 
awaited them behind a latticed door. Approaching 
it the pilgrim said, " Admit us, reverend mother." 

" Do you not know that only the King and the 
Princesses have that privilege ? " replied the Abbess. 
Thereupon the two unveiled. 

" I am Constance of Brittany," said the elder. 



t THE TOWER OF ROUEN t 

" And I am Marie of France/' added the other 
in a low voice. 

The Abbess bowed in great surprise and admitted 
the pair. "What seek you^ gracious Princesses? " 
said she. 

"We have vowed to tarry here in prayer until 
the Holy Mother of God answers our petition/' 
was the reply. 

" And supposing the Holy One refuses ? " 

*^ Then we shall pray for a poor soul until our 
latest breath.*' 

" It is your right to command/' said the Abbess, 
conducting them to the interior of the cloister. 

In that very hour an aged Jew came to the south 
gate of the city with a ragbag on his shoulder and 
a staff in his hand. He exhibited his passports 
to the gate-keepers, and although they gave him 
permission to leave Paris and go to Rouen on busi- 
ness, he was stopped and insulted upon every sort 
of pretext. He bore the raillery of the rough sol- 
diers patiently and mutely, only protesting now and 
then, " My papers permit me to enter the city and 
seek lodgings with my friends." 

" But why are you in such a hurry, Jew ? " 
said the captain. " Perhaps you have business 

9 [iZij] 



t THE DUKE OF BRITTANY t 

with the King of England, who is coming to- 
night ? " 

The Jew shot a swift glance at the speaker and 
meekly replied, ^^ A poor craftsman can have noth- 
ing to do with so fine a gentleman/' 

^^ Who can tell ? *' provokingly answered the cap- 
tain. " When princes are preparing to cross the 
seas there are fine bargains to be made with their 
followers/' 

" Then let me enter and find out if I can make 
any of them/' 

" The Jew snaps at such a chance like a fish at 
the bait," said the captain with a sneer. " Now 
hurry, son of Israel." 

The Jew promptly availed himself of the oppor- 
tunity, folded his papers, and passed through the 
partly open gate. A soldier of the watch hurried 
him on his way with a thrust of his lance shaft, 
and the spare figure soon disappeared among the 
crooked old streets. The Jew, who was Abraham, 
had at last accomplished his purpose. In the secret 
hiding-place of one of his own faith he could have 
interviews with all kinds of people, who passed 
in and out all day. Samples of wares were strewn 
about the tables ; but these people, who were 



t THE TOWER OF ROUEN t 

mostly knights or seamen, did not come to pur- 
chase. Among them was Alan, who late one even- 
ing found himself alone with Abraham. 

" You know all now. I may not be able to help 
you further," said Abraham. " But this is my plan : 
When King John comes into port, bringing the Duke 
with him, a second boat will follow, carrying the 
servants and baggage. The captain and crew have 
been won over. God knows at what price," he 
added with a groan. " They will keep you until 
the harbor is reached. Then the King and his 
retinue, including Duke Arthur, will embark upon 
a large sea vessel, for the King will not allow him 
to be out of his sight until he safely lands him 
in England. The confusion of the night embark- 
ation will allow you to approach unobserved, and 
you must improve the opportunity to separate the 
Duke from the others and get him to your boat. 
Have him concealed there, and leave as quickly as 
possible. It is tlie last faint possibility of escape, 
for no power can save him or get him out of the 
tower, now that John has control." 

" And where will the sailors in the little boat take 
us ? " said Alan. 

" They know all the coves and inlets of the coast 

[131] 



t THE DUKE OF BRITTANY t 

— they often conceal themselves in them from the 
pirates," said Abraham. 

" God grant that we succeed ! Arthur knows that 
I am near, and he will be in readiness for instant 
flight. This is the surety of it/' said Alan, pressing 
Arthur's handkerchief to his lips. 

" Farewell, brave youth,'' said Abraham. " Do 
what your heart prompts. A truer one never beat 
under the sun. I shall leave Rouen early to- 
morrow morning and return to Paris that suspicion 
may not fall upon me and my people should your 
undertaking be discovered." 

They parted, and Alan returned to the vessel. 
His route led him past the ancient tower, which 
was not so quiet and dark as usual. Torches 
illuminated the gate and battlements, and lights 
shone in the windows ; for King John had arrived, 
and the din of his soldiery could be heard even 
through the thick walls. 



[132] 



Chapter XX 

On the Seine 



n 



^HE report of the King's approaching 
departure had attracted a great throng 
of spectators to the bank of the Seine, 
^ opposite the tower. They were curious 



to see the King, but more eager to see the Duke 
of Brittany, whose name was heard on every side. 
Vessels of moderate size could come close up to 
the gates on the water side, which closed the en- 
trance to the tower. Two boats were in waiting 
some distance off. The smaller was fully manned, 
and loaded with chests and bales, ready for depart- 
ure. The deck of the larger, which floated the 
royal ensign, was empty, the crew being below. 

It was late when the signal for leaving was given. 
The gates were opened, torch-bearers advanced and 
lighted the stairs, which were flanked by two rows 
of halberdiers. Between them, knights, soldiers, 
and nobles, with the Duke in their midst, de- 
scended. Arthur stopped upon the stair an instant, 
looking about as if in. search of some one, but he 

[133] 



t THE DUKE OF BRITTANY t 

was quickly forced along to the gangway leading 
from the stairs to the boat. He and his guards 
had hardly stepped aboard when the King's ap- 
proach was announced. John immediately appeared, 
mounted the deck, and disappeared below. The 
rowers struck out, the sails filled, and the vessel 
moved to the middle of the stream. The boat 
with the baggage followed a little distance away 
from it. A dark figure rose from time to time in 
the bows, eagerly scrutinizing the King's vessel. 
It was Alan in sailor's dress, on the lookout for 
Arthur. The deck of the other vessel, however, 
remained empty for some time. It gleamed white 
in the light of the rising moon ; its masts and sails 
were sharply outlined against the clear night sky, 
and only the monotonous plash of oars broke the 
stillness. But when the city was left behind and 
the vessel was gliding along between the deserted 
banks of the rushing river, two figures appeared on 
deck and gradually proceeded to the stern, which 
was clearly visible to Alan. He could see it was 
the King and Arthur engaged in conversation, and 
could even distinctly hear some of their words. 
Arthur was in modest attire, and his short mantle 
was carelessly worn. King John was dressed in 
[134] 




r 



HE assassination of Arthur 



ON THE SEINE 



a broad dark cloak which left one arm free, and 
wore a fur-trimmed cap. The speakers stood some 
distance apart, but as the conversation continually 
grew louder, it was perfectly audible to Alan. The 
familiar sound of Arthur's voice deeply touched 
his heart, and he eagerly listened to its tones. 
Suddenly he heard the King's questioning voice 
full of sullen rage, and Arthur's loud, firm reply 
to him, " Never, never 1 " At the same time he 
saw the Duke with upturned face raise his hands 
to heaven in a supplicating manner. As Arthur 
stood thus, facing the King with unprotected breast, 
the latter sprang at him. A dagger gleamed in his 
hand, and like a flash he drove the blade into the 
Duke's heart. A dreadful cry followed, and was 
repeated by the echo of another voice. The King 
lifted the weapon and pierced his victim a second 
time. The dying youth staggered to the edge of 
the vessel and fell into the river. The King looked 
searchingly over the side and then flung the dagger 
into the stream. 

Forgetting all caution, Alan leaned over in his 
boat, watching with horror-stricken eyes the crim- 
soned water in the wake of the King's vessel. A 
golden ringlet rose and glistened in the moonlight 

[^35] 



t THE DUKE OF BRITTANY t 

for an instant ; then the waves closed over it, and 
it disappeared. 

Proudly sailed the vessel bearing the King to its 
haven. Sunk and forever lost in the waters of the 
Seine was the Duke of Brittany.^ 

1 Hume accepts the following account of the murder as the most reliable : 
** John first removed him to the castle of Rouen ; and coming in a boat, during 
the night time, to that place, commanded Arthur to be brought forth to him. 
The young prince, aware of his danger, and now more subdued by the continu- 
ance of his misfortunes and by the approach of death, threw himself on his knees 
before his uncle and begged for mercy 5 but the barbarous tyrant, making no reply, 
stabbed him with his own hands, and, fastening a stone to the dead body, threw 
it into the Seine." 



['36] 



Chapter XXI 

The Accusation 



^ T^ ING JOHN murdered his nephew at 
/^ night, unseen, as he supposed, by any 
'^'yv human eye, and yet he was at once harassed 
^-^ *--^ by constant fear. He did not draw an easy 
breath until he landed upon the English coast and 
stood upon soil which had not been stained by his 
bloody deed. Almost as soon as the King's vessel 
arrived, rumor was busy, however, and hinted of 
the crime John had committed. Although the 
people submissively obeyed him, they looked upon 
him with suspicion, and at last accusations were 
made openly. 

When John assembled the lords and peers for 
the first time, the venerable Pembroke, their mouth- 
piece, asked the King this question : ^^ Where is 
Arthur, son of Geoffrey, the noble scion of the 
Plantagenets ? *' 

The cowardly and conscience-stricken King sought 
to evade a reply, but he was besieged with a storm 

[137] 



t THE DUKE OF BRITTANY ^ 

of demands and accusations, and Pembroke re- 
proached both himself and his friends because they 
had left Arthur in the cruel hands of his uncle. 

The King at last answered in a rage : " The peers 
must first prove the act before they condemn me.*' 
An instant's silence ensued, for they could not pro- 
vide the proofs; and John looked with insolent 
scorn at the embarrassed nobles. But before the 
King could follow up his opportunity, a herald en- 
tered the hall, announcing that an unknown knight, 
attended by squires and heralds, had brought a mes- 
sage for the King from Philip Augustus of France. 
It was an unfortunate time to receive the com- 
mission, but he did not dare to refuse audience to 
Philip's ambassador. 

Preceded by a herald carrying a roll of parchment 
in his hand, with the royal seal appended, a knight 
in full black armor entered the hall. John was 
greatly agitated as he saw him approaching, and 
was still more alarmed when the knight raised his 
visor and displayed the stern features of a youthful 
face. It seemed to him for an instant that Arthur 
stood there to accuse him. 

The stranger bowed haughtily to the King, and 
with exceeding courtesy to the nobles, and then 
[^38] 



t THE ACCUSATION t 

spoke : " In the name and by the authority of King 
Philip of France I summon you, John Plantagenet 
of Anjou, before the tribunal of your sovereign lord 
at Paris, to answer for the murder of your nephew, 
Duke Arthur of Brittany." 

John stamped his foot with rage. " This is most 
presumptuous," he roared. " It will be time for 
Philip to sit in judgment on me when he has found 
some one to accuse me." 

" Here I stand. Knight Alan of Mordant, from 
Brittany, as your accuser," said Alan. "I saw you 
commit the murder, and am ready to prove all the 
circumstances. Do you doubt my testimony ? " he 
asked, as he saw John make a gesture of contempt. 
" Well then, behold this dagger." Alan drew the 
weapon from his cloak and held it toward the King. 
" Do you recognize your name and arms on the 
blade ? It may well be rusty, for it has not only 
lain in the waters of the Seine three days, but also 
has been bathed in Arthur's blood. Do you deny 
it. King John ? Do you shake your fist at me ? If 
so, I will maintain the truth of my accusation by my 
knightly honor, and here I cast my glove into the 
circle of these noble knights. I summon him to 
mortal combat who will deny my accusation." 

[139] 



t THE DUKE OF BRITTANY t 

Alan threw down his glove and replaced the 
dagger in his cloak. The King looked around the 
circle of his gallant knights almost supplicatingly, 
but he saw only gloomy and lowering faces, and no 
one moved to take the glove from the floor. There 
was universal silence until the King summoned the 
herald, who took the glove into his keeping. 

Notwithstanding his discomfiture, John craftily 
made a bold move to stem the tide of his fast 
failing cause. Turning to Alan, he said, "If we, 
as is likely, shall refuse to recognize the summons 
of Philip of France, what then ? " 

" In that case," said Alan, " King Philip will 
declare you, John of England, dispossessed of all 
your property and fiefs on French soil, and will 
immediately appropriate them." 

" Let him attempt it ! " shouted John in thunder- 
ing tones. " Hear you, my lords and knights ! 
Philip may execute this summons, but he will not 
strike me. He will strike at England and Eng- 
land's greatness. It is Philip's purpose to wrest 
from us the country which is the birthplace of our 
ancestors, the land whence sprang our knighthood, 
majestic Normandy, beautiful Anjou and Maine. 
That is the explanation of all his virtuous anger 
[140] 



THE ACCUSATION 



over the death of the boy Arthur. What is that 
boy's life, what is my own life, provided England's 
greatness remain unimpaired ? Which one of you, 
my knights, will hesitate when he is called upon to 
fight for English honor and English possessions? " 

John looked around the assembly confident of 
victory, took the summons, tore it in two, and threw 
the pieces on the floor. " There is the answer you 
shall take to Philip of France, Knight Mordant, 
and you may leave England in three days. For 
that length of time you have the privileges of an 
ambassador." 

With a firm step John left the hall, and the 
nobles followed him with unsettled convictions. 



[HI] 



Chapter XXII 

The End 



f^ — j f — ^HE English army invaded France again, 
only to meet with defeat. England lost 
both fame and possessions : Philip wrested 
^ the latter from her. The entire popu- 
lation of Brittany rushed to arms after Arthur's 
murder, and drove the enemy out of their country. 
Alan, their leader, continually roused them to resist- 
ance and incited them to avenge their murdered 
Duke. He would not tolerate any foreign ruler, 
and encouraged all classes to maintain their inde- 
pendence both against England and France. He 
demonstrated his patriotism and achieved victory, but 
at the cost of his life in defence of his fatherland. 

Arthur was avenged. The contempt of all Eng- 
land, worse even than death to bear, was visited upon 
John when he returned from France. Detested by 
his subjects, mistrusted by the nobles, shamefully 
begging help from the Pope to keep his throne, his 
life came to an end in an era of turbulence. His 
lords, joining hands with the commons, extorted 



THE END 



from him that important concession of rights, Magna 
Charta/ and compelled this execrable despot to lay 
the foundations of the greatness of the English 
people. Old and worn out with sickness, believing 
himself poisoned, racked with remorse, harassed by- 
rebellious leaders, John died in the midst of an 
insurrection. 

The derisive epithet, " John Lackland," has 
branded him in history as a spurious and cruel 
sovereign. The figure of Arthur of Brittany, glori- 
fied in poetry, beautified with the immortal lustre 
of youth, stands out brightly against the dark 
background of those bloody days.^ 



1 Magna Charta, the charter of English liberties, signed by John and his barons 
at Runnyraede, June 15, 1 21 5. 

2 Hume says of John : ** Cowardice, inactivity, folly, levity, licentiousness, 
ingratitude, treachery, tyranny, and cruelty, — all these qualities appear too evi- 
dently in the several incidents of his life to give us room to suspect that the 
disagreeable picture has been anywise overcharged by the prejudices of the ancient 
historians.** 



[>43] 



^pptntfi}: 



The following is a chronological statement of the principal 
events treated of in this volume ; 

133 Birth of Henry the Second. 

152 Henry marries Eleanor. 

1 5 7 Birth of Richard the First. 

158 Birth of Geoffrey. 

165 Birth of Philip Augustus of France. 

167 Birth of John, surnamed Lackland, 

1 80 Philip Augustus succeeds to the throne. 

1 86 Death of Geoffrey. 

187 Birth of Arthur, Duke of Brittany. 
1 89 Death of Henry the Second. 
1 89 Rebellion of Richard and John. 
1 89 Richard succeeds to the throne. 
1 89 Period of the Third Crusade. 
195 War between Philip Augustus and Richard. 
199 Death of Richard. 
203 Assassination of Arthur, 
216 Death of John. 
223 Death of Philip Augustus. 



AUG 13 li08 



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